How To Become An X-Ray Tech | BestColleges

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• What Is an X-Ray Tech?
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How to Become an X-Ray TechYou’ll need at least an associate degree to work as an X-ray tech. Read our page to learn how to enter this popular healthcare profession.By Bernard Grant, Ph.D.Updated on September 26, 2025Edited by Danika MillerLearn more about our editorial process

Key Takeaways

• You can become an X-ray tech in about two years by earning an associate degree, passing the ARRT exam, and meeting state licensing requirements.
• X-ray techs take diagnostic images, interact with patients and physicians, and earn a median salary of $78,980 with 5% projected job growth.
• Specializing in MRI or working in outpatient centers can boost pay, and continuing education is required to maintain certification.

X-ray techs take images of patients to help doctors understand their ailments. They accomplish this by performing X-ray exams.

As an X-ray tech, you’d work directly with patients to ensure their comfort while you take the clearest possible images, which help doctors make accurate diagnoses.

Radiologic technology — the field that X-ray techs work in — is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of jobs for this role to grow by 5% by 2034, with around 15,400 openings projected each year. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

Our guide aims to help you learn more about how to become an X-ray tech.

How to Become an X-Ray Technician in 3 Steps

By following these steps, you’ll gain the interpersonal and technical skills needed to succeed as an X-ray tech.

Step 1: Earn an Associate Degree

While some X-ray techs hold bachelor’s degrees, you only need an associate degree to work in this profession.

Your coursework will include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, imaging techniques, patient care, and radiation safety. You’ll complete clinical rotations to gain hands-on training in real healthcare settings.

Step 2: Get Certified

To get the certification necessary to become an X-ray technician, you must study for and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

By passing this exam, you show that you are ready to practice radiologic technology.

You can also pursue specializations, such as mammography or MRI, to potentially grow your career and increase your pay.

Step 3: Get Licensed (if Required)

While state licensure isn’t federally required, most states require X-ray techs to hold licensure.

Even in states that don’t require licensure, you’ll likely find employers who prefer it. So carefully consider licensure and research your state’s requirements.

Keep in mind that state licensure differs from ARRT certification. State licensure shows that you know radiation safety standards and can safely take X-ray images.

How Long Does It Take to Become an X-Ray Technician?

Because you’ll need an associate degree to work as an X-ray tech, it’ll take at least two years to enter the profession. However, many X-ray technicians hold bachelor’s degrees, which take four years to complete as a full-time student.

You’ll then take the ARRT certification exam, which is required for licensure in most states. This process takes 6-8 weeks after graduation. Your state may require background checks and additional exams.

What Does an X-Ray Tech Do?

• Adjusts and operates imaging equipment and related accessories to perform radiographic procedures
• Provides patient-centered care, keeping patients comfortable and monitoring their conditions during exams
• Demonstrates key skills in technical proficiency, attention to detail, compassion, and communication
• Collaborates with physicians to assess images and determine whether to take more images
• Maintains and manages patient records and X-ray equipment

How Much Does an X-Ray Tech Make?

One reason many people are drawn to X-ray technology is its high salary potential. These professionals earn a median salary of $77,660 each year, according to the BLS.

Salaries vary depending on location and work environment. For example, X-ray techs in outpatient care centers earn a median salary of $128,290 per year, while those in physicians’ offices earn less: a little over $83,970 each year.

Is Becoming an X-Ray Technician Right for You?

Pros of Becoming an X-Ray Tech

• The BLS projects X-ray techs will grow by 5% by 2034, with around 15,400 job openings each year.
• You can earn a livable wage as an X-ray tech, with X-ray professionals making a median of around $78,980 per year, according to the BLS.
• While these programs are challenging, many people are drawn to the field because of its quick entry: Most X-ray tech programs take only two years to complete.

Cons of Becoming an X-Ray Tech

• Like many X-ray techs, you may be concerned about radiation exposure — a real risk associated with the job.
• You’ll need stamina to work as an X-ray tech, as you’ll have to stand for long periods and lift and position patients.
• As an X-ray tech, you must keep up with changes in imaging technology with ongoing education and certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an X-Ray Tech

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Are X-ray techs and radiology techs the same?

No, X-ray techs and radiology techs have different careers.

Where X-ray techs focus only on X-ray imaging, radiology techs have a broader focus and work with a range of imaging techniques, including X-rays. Radiology techs also use CT scans, mammograms, sonograms, and MRIs.

Is becoming an X-ray tech hard?

Yes, becoming an X-ray tech can be challenging, as the role requires advanced knowledge of the human body and X-ray imaging techniques.

You’ll face a rigorous curriculum that covers radiographic physics, radiologic science, and human anatomy and physiology. Your coursework will contain medical terminology, which you’ll need to learn.

Plus, you’ll undergo clinical training to apply your new skills to real-world scenarios.

Are there different types of X-ray technicians?

Yes, there are many types of X-ray technology specialties. For example, if you want to work with children, you can choose to specialize in pediatric radiology.

You could also work as an X-ray tech in emergency rooms. Other specialization areas include gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, head and neck, and cardiovascular radiology.

Do X-ray technicians go to med school?

No, medical school is not required to become an X-ray technician. Instead, these professionals have gained specialized training in radiologic technology through associate and bachelor’s programs at accredited colleges and universities.

Is X-ray tech a good career?

If you enjoy working directly with patients in healthcare settings and are enthusiastic about improving patient care through radiologic technology, X-ray technology can be a good career choice. According to the BLS, radiologic technologists earn a median salary of over $78,980 per year.

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