Radiologic Technologist Job Description (2026): Duties, Skills and Salary
A radiologic technologist performs diagnostic imaging, most often X-rays, positioning patients and operating equipment to get images a radiologist can read. The job blends technical precision with patient care: explaining the procedure, keeping anxious or injured patients still and comfortable, and following radiation safety protocols without exception.
Radiologic technologists work in hospitals, imaging centers, urgent care and orthopedic offices, often rotating shifts to cover emergency imaging needs. Many add certifications in CT, MRI or mammography to expand what they can do and where they can work.
Radiologic Technologist job description template
Copy it, replace everything in [brackets] and cut what doesn't apply. Keep the requirements to what the job really needs.
Template · replace the [brackets]
Radiologic Technologist
[Company] · [City and office days, or remote with the countries or time zones you hire in] · [Full-time]
About [Company]
[Two or three sentences on what your company does, who it serves and why this team matters now.]
About the role
[Company] is hiring a radiologic technologist to perform diagnostic imaging for [patient population] at [facility]. You'll position patients, operate imaging equipment, and follow safety protocols on every exam.
What you'll do
- Perform X-ray exams following physician orders and department protocols.
- Position patients correctly for the exam while minimizing their discomfort.
- Apply radiation safety principles (ALARA) to protect patients and staff.
- Operate and maintain imaging equipment, reporting malfunctions promptly.
- Review images for quality and repeat exams when necessary.
- Maintain accurate patient records and imaging documentation in [EHR/RIS system].
- Explain procedures to patients and answer their questions calmly.
- Assist with [fluoroscopy / portable exams / trauma imaging] as needed.
What you'll bring
- Associate degree in radiologic technology or equivalent program completion.
- ARRT certification (or registry-eligible) in radiography.
- State licensure where required.
- Strong knowledge of anatomy, positioning and radiation safety.
- BLS certification.
- Clear communication with patients, nurses and physicians under time pressure.
Nice to have
- Additional ARRT certification in CT, MRI or mammography.
- Experience in [emergency / orthopedic / outpatient] imaging.
- Comfort with pediatric or geriatric patients.
- Bilingual (Spanish or another language common to the patient population).
What we offer
- [Pay range: e.g. $X–$Y base salary, plus bonus or equity if offered]
- [Shift differentials, tuition reimbursement for advanced certifications, health insurance, retirement match]
- [Health cover, retirement or pension plan, paid time off, parental leave]
- [Work authorization: whether you can sponsor a visa or hire through an employer of record]
[Our process: a recruiter screen, a clinical skills interview with the imaging manager, a reference and credential check, and a facility tour before offer.]
[Your equal opportunity statement, and how candidates can ask for adjustments during the process]
Put the pay range in the ad. Several US states, including California, Colorado, New York and Washington, require it in job postings, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants the right to know the starting pay or its range before the interview.
Radiologic Technologist duties by seniority
What the job usually looks like at each level. Pitch the ad at one level and say which in the title.
Junior
- Performs routine X-ray exams under supervision as competencies are signed off.
- Learns facility protocols, equipment and documentation systems.
- Builds speed and consistency in patient positioning.
Mid-level
- Handles the full range of routine and complex X-ray exams independently.
- Trains new technologists and students on protocols.
- May hold a second modality certification such as CT.
Senior
- Leads a shift or imaging team and handles the most complex or trauma cases.
- Audits image quality and compliance across the department.
- Mentors staff and helps evaluate new equipment or protocols.
Radiologic Technologist career path
- Radiologic Technologist
- Senior/Lead Technologist
- Imaging Supervisor
- Radiology Department Manager
Radiologic technologists enter through an accredited associate degree program followed by ARRT certification. From there, many add CT, MRI or mammography certifications to increase pay and flexibility, and some move into lead, supervisory or radiology administration roles.
Similar roles
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- Registered Nurse job description
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Radiologic Technologist job description FAQ
What does a radiologic technologist do?
Performs X-ray and other diagnostic imaging exams, positioning patients correctly and following radiation safety protocols so radiologists get usable images. They also maintain equipment and patient documentation.
What skills should a radiologic technologist job description require?
ARRT certification in radiography, knowledge of anatomy and positioning, radiation safety practices, and BLS certification. Additional certifications in CT, MRI or mammography are common nice-to-haves.
Is radiologic technologist an entry-level job?
It requires completing an accredited program and passing ARRT certification first, so it's entry-level within radiology but not a job you can start without that training. State which certifications and experience level you need.