Chief Radiologic Technologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Chief Radiologic Technologist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Radiologic Technologist in the United States is $96,378 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.

However, a Chief Radiologic Technologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $115,651
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $88,053 to $106,466
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $80,474

Key Factors That Influence Chief Radiologic Technologist Salaries

A Chief Radiologic Technologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Chief Radiologic Technologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Radiologic Technologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $93,272
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $93,644
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $94,887
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $97,131
  • Expert (over 8 years): $99,389
Levels Salary
Entry Level Chief Radiologic Technologist$93,272
Intermediate Level Chief Radiologic Technologist$93,644
Senior Level Chief Radiologic Technologist$94,887
Specialist Level Chief Radiologic Technologist$97,131
Expert Level Chief Radiologic Technologist$99,389

Top Paying Cities for Chief Radiologic Technologists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $121,562
  • San Francisco: $120,231
  • Oakland: $117,697

Chief Radiologic Technologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chief Radiologic Technologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $102,295. While startup companies pay approximate $87,113.

Chief Radiologic Technologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $87,113
Growth Stage 51~500 $91,981
Established 501~5000 $98,927
Enterprise 5000+ $102,295

Chief Radiologic Technologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chief Radiologic Technologist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Chief Radiologic Technologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Chief Radiologic Technologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Chief Radiologic Technologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$115,654$56.020%

How Education impacts a Chief Radiologic Technologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief Radiologic Technologist enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Chief Radiologic Technologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $92,598 and $100,107.

Chief Radiologic Technologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Chief Radiologic Technologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 20.7%
High School 20.7%
Associates 48.3%
Bachelors 23.0%
Masters 8.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Chief Radiologic Technologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chief Radiologic Technologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$88,053
Average $96,378/year
$106,466
$7,338
Average $8,032/month
$8,872
$1,693
Average $1,853/week
$2,047
$42
Average $46/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $106,466 $8,872 $2,047 $51
Average $96,378 $8,032 $1,853 $46
25th Percentile $88,053 $7,338 $1,693 $42

Most common benefits for Chief Radiologic Technologist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Chief Radiologic Technologist

Here are companies hiring for Chief Radiologic Technologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Chief Radiologic Technologist

1. Where can a Chief Radiologic Technologist earn the most?

A Chief Radiologic Technologist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chief Radiologic Technologist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief Radiologic Technologist is $121,562.

2. What is the highest pay for Chief Radiologic Technologist?

The highest pay for Chief Radiologic Technologist is $115,651.

3. What is the lowest pay for Chief Radiologic Technologist?

The lowest pay for Chief Radiologic Technologist is $80,474.

4. What are the responsibilities of Chief Radiologic Technologist?

Oversees radiologic services, maintains technical aspects of radiologic safety and evaluates accuracy and quality of X-rays. Schedules work assignments and coordinates requests for radiologic services. Recommends new equipment, equipment modification, and crucial construction within the department. May perform duties of radiologic technologist as needed. Requires an associate degree in radiology. Requires American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) - (R). Typically requires State License based on Clinical Specialty. Typically reports to a manager or director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Chief Radiologic Technologist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Chief Radiologic Technologist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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