Great Careers in California: Become a Radiologic Technologist

There are several great reasons to consider a career in radiology science in California. This field is expected to grow steadily over the next few years, as the population continues to grow and grow older, creating more demand for medical science professionals.

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California has one of the highest cost of living indexes, and the average annual salary for radiologic technologists is well above the average annual salary for California. California also offers one of the largest selections of colleges from which to earn a radiology science degree.

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Salaries for Radiologists

In California, the average annual salary is $102,230, with the lowest 10% earning $58,120 or less and the highest 10% earning $153,390 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $73,410, with the lowest 10% earning $50,020 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,380 or more. This data highlights the significant differences in wages between California and the national average, and it also breaks down salaries by percentiles for further detail.

National vs. Local Salaries

Location Average Salary 10% Earn Less Than 10% Earn More Than
United States $73,410 $50,020 $102,380
California $102,230 $58,120 $153,390

Salaries and Percentiles by Region

Region 10% Earn Less Than 25% Earn Less Than Median Salary 75% Earn More Than 10% Earn More Than
United States $50,020 $60,690 $73,410 $84,670 $102,380
California $58,120 $76,360 $102,230 $128,950 $153,390
Bakersfield, CA $58,840 $64,820 $83,600 $100,460 $118,800
Chico, CA $50,240 $50,240 $87,950 $106,840 $125,720
Fresno, CA $63,550 $79,300 $99,210 $122,550 $160,040
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $58,040 $59,200 $90,620 $114,520 $132,090
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $76,970 $107,420 $136,100 $161,960 $172,580
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $81,860 $104,950 $126,500 $155,440 $163,660

Radiologic technologist Trends in California

In California, there were 18,200 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 20,200 by 2030, representing an 11% increase, with 1,560 annual job openings. Nationally, there were 222,800 employees in 2022, projected to grow to 235,000 by 2032, a 6% increase, with 13,100 annual job openings.

Employment Trends

Location Year Employment Projected Employment Growth Annual Job Openings
California 2020 18,200 20,200 11% 1,560
United States 2022 222,800 235,000 6% 13,100

Source of the data:

Radiology Requirements in California

Limited license X-ray technicians may work in California without an exam and registration as long as they have completed an accredited program in California with a minimum number of clinical hours. Other disciplines in the field of radiology science require practitioners to take a state exam or an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.

Nuclear medicine practitioners must take the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam. California also requires all radiologic technologists to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education credits every two years to remain certified.

Radiologic Technology Schools in California

City College of San Francisco: City College of San Francisco is located in one of the most exciting cities in California, and offers a full-time associate degree track in Radiologic Science. Students in this department may earn either an Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging. Students who complete the program will be prepared to sit for the ARRT exam.  City College reports that since 2006, 100% of graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Imaging program have passed the examination on the first attempt.

Los Angeles City College: Los Angeles City College has a radiologic technology program that allows students to pursue training as a limited license X-ray technician, with a skills certificate in Clinical Education, Fluoroscopy, or Patient Care. Applicants can also earn an Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology, which will prepare them to pass the ARRT exam in Radiology. Students must complete the degree track if they plan to sit for the ARRT exam

Other Schools to Consider

Many other schools across California also offer degree programs in radiologic technology. The Department of Radiation Technology at Loma Linda University offers over fifteen program emphases, with a certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, and Master’s degree programs. Students can choose from an Associate of Science in Medical Radiography or from three Bachelor of Science degrees in Radiation SciencesNuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy, and two Master’s degree programs in Radiologist Assistant or Radiation Sciences (both offered completely online). Prospective students should be aware that Loma Linda is a Seventh-day Adventist organization where teaching emphasizes the Christian faith.

For those preferring a two-year associate’s program, notable institutions include Santa Barbara City CollegeFoothill CollegeLong Beach City College, and Fresno City College. These locations emphasize the geographical diversity of California while providing quality education. Students in Southern California might also consider options in Phoenix, Arizona, or Las Vegas, Nevada, while out-of-state alternatives for students in Northern California are fewer with Oregon having a limited offering.

Large Employers in Radiology

The huge state of California – the most populous in the nation – features 17 hospitals that have been nationally ranked by the US News and World Report. While employment at these hospitals is likely to be more competitive, wages and benefits are also likely to be among the best in the state.

Ronald Reagan Hospital UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles
757 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095-8358
(310) 825-9111

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
8700 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048-1865
(310) 423-5000

UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco
500 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143-0296
(415) 476-1000

Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Palo Alto
300 Pasteur Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94304-2299
(650) 723-4000

UC San Diego Medical Center, San Diego
200 West Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103-8970
(619) 543-6222

Keck Hospital of USC, Los Angeles
1500 San Pablo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033-4587
(323) 442-8500

Professional Organizations

The primary professional organization for radiologic technologists in California is the California Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT), the state affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). This organization can help prospective radiologic technologists get their career underway, and help existing technologists to make professional connections and stay informed about any new information in their field.

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in California

Antelope Valley College – Radiography

3041 West Avenue K, Lancaster CA 93536
Tel: (661) 722-6300
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 20 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $2,200 Resident, $11,500 Non-resident

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center – Radiography

400 North Pepper Avenue, Colton CA 92324-1819
Tel: (909) 580-3540
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 18 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 85%  Job Placement Rate: 93%

Bakersfield College – Radiography

1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield CA 93305
Tel: (661) 395-4249
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 52 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $1,436 Resident, $8,247 Non-resident

Cabrillo College – Radiography

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos CA 95003
Tel: (831) 479-5056
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 52 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 72%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96%  Job Placement Rate: 88%
Tuition Fees: $3,565

California State University, Northridge – Radiography

18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge CA 91330-8285
Tel: (818) 677-2475
Program Name: Radiologic Sciences
Program Type: Bachelor of Radiologic Science
Duration: 120 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99.1%  Job Placement Rate: 98.8%
Tuition Fees: $6,544 Resident, $12,124 Non-resident

Cañada College – Radiography

4200 Farm Hill Boulevard, Redwood City CA 94061
Tel: (650) 306-3283
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 56 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 85%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 93.12%
Tuition Fees: $1,334 Resident, $7,482 Non-resident

Chaffey College – Radiography

5885 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga CA 91737-3002
Tel: (909) 652-7603
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 56 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%  Job Placement Rate: 94.6%
Tuition Fees: $1,748 Resident, $9,690 Non-resident

Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science, College of Science and Health – Radiography

1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles CA 90059-3025
Tel: (323) 563-5885
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 87 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 89%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 74.68%  Job Placement Rate: 83%
Tuition Fees: $15,938 Resident, $15,938 Non-resident

City College of San Francisco – Radiography

50 Phelan Avenue Box S-68, San Francisco CA 94112
Tel: (415) 239-3064
Program Name: Radiologic Sciences
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 64 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 79%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%  Job Placement Rate: 87%
Tuition Fees: $1,400 Resident, $10,759 Non-resident

City of Hope – Radiation Therapy

1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte CA 91010
Tel: (626) 301-8247
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 12 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $10,000 Resident, $10,000 Non-resident

Cypress College – Radiography

9200 Valley View Street, Cypress CA 90630-5897
Tel: (714) 484-7221
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 76 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 91%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%  Job Placement Rate: 94%
Tuition Fees: $1,000 Resident, $6,700 Non-resident

East Los Angeles Occupational Center – Radiography

2100 Marengo Street, Los Angeles CA 90033
Tel: (310) 429 6535
Program Name: Radiologic Technologist
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 17 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $3,925 Resident, $3,925 Non-resident

El Camino College – Radiography

16007 South Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance CA 90506
Tel: (310) 660-3593
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 52 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86.4%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 95.1%
Tuition Fees: $1,080 Resident, $3,000 Non-resident

Foothill College – Radiography

12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills CA 94022
Tel: (650) 949-7469
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 70 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%  Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $1,700 Resident, $8,000 Non-resident

Fresno City College – Radiography

1101 East University Avenue, Fresno CA 93741
Tel: (559) 244-2618
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 84 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 93%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 94%  Job Placement Rate: 98%
Tuition Fees: $1,472 Resident, $7,520 Non-resident

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Radiography

1401 Willow Pass Road, Suite 450, Concord CA 94520
Tel: (925) 334-5734
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 53 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 97%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90%  Job Placement Rate: 85%
Tuition Fees: $21,780 Resident, $21,780 Non-resident

Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences-Kaiser Medical Center – Richmond – Radiography

938 Marina Way South, Richmond CA 94804-3739
Tel: (510) 231-5034
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Radiography
Duration: 108 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 94%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%  Job Placement Rate: 83%
Tuition Fees: $26,360

L.A. County Harbor/UCLA Medical Center – Radiography

1000 West Carson Street, Box 27, Torrance CA 90509-2910
Tel: (424) 306-8420
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 12 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Loma Linda University – Radiography

School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda CA 92350
Tel: (909) 486-4803
Program Name: Medical Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 75 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 94%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 81.8%  Job Placement Rate: 94%
Tuition Fees: $13,002 Resident, $13,002 Non-resident

Loma Linda University – Medical Dosimetry

School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda CA 92350
Tel: (909) 558-7368
Program Name: Medical Dosimetry
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 6 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 83%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $31,777 Resident, $31,777 Non-resident

Loma Linda University – Radiation Therapy

School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda CA 92350
Tel: (909) 558-7368
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 18 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 75%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%  Job Placement Rate: 93%
Tuition Fees: $2,000 Resident, $2,000 Non-resident

Los Angeles City College – Radiography

855 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90029
Tel: (323) 953-4000
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 56 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 87%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92%  Job Placement Rate: 83%
Tuition Fees: $1,380 Resident, $6,210 Non-resident

Merced College – Radiography

3600 M Street MS #37, Merced CA 95348-2898
Tel: (209) 384-6132
Program Name: Diagnostic Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 55 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 87%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $1,346 Resident, $6,136 Non-resident

Merritt College – Radiography

12500 Campus Drive, Oakland CA 94619
Tel: (510) 436-2427
Program Name: Radiologic Science
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 86 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 70%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 86%  Job Placement Rate: 98.8%
Tuition Fees: $1,648 Resident, $8,550 Non-resident

Moorpark College – Radiography

7075 Campus Road, Moorpark CA 93021
Tel: (805) 378-1400
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 86 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 60%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%  Job Placement Rate: 89.8%
Tuition Fees: $1,610 Resident, $8,750 Non-resident

Mt. San Antonio College – Radiography

1100 North Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789-1399
Tel: (909) 274-4680
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 108 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 81%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 88%  Job Placement Rate: 85%
Tuition Fees: $1,771 Resident, $10,510 Non-resident

National University – Costa Mesa Campus – Radiation Therapy

3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa CA 92626
Tel: (714) 429-5118
Program Name: Radiation Therapy
Program Type: Bachelor of Science
Duration: 56 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 82%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $13,517 Resident, $13,517 Non-resident

Orange Coast College – Radiography

2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa CA 92626
Tel: (714) 432-5540
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 56 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 82%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 92%  Job Placement Rate: 86%
Tuition Fees: $1,380 Resident, $7,800 Non-resident

Pasadena City College – Radiography

3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107
Tel: (626) 585-7271
Program Name: Radiologic Technologist
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 58 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 76.2%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 95%  Job Placement Rate: 93.5%
Tuition Fees: $2,800 Resident, $5,600 Non-resident

Peninsula Medical Center/Mills-Peninsula Health Services – Radiography

1501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame CA 94010
Tel: (650) 696-5519
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 18 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista – Radiography

780 Bay Boulevard, Suite 101, Chula Vista CA 91910
Tel: (619) 425-3200
Program Name: Radiography
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science
Duration: 77 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 78%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 92%
Tuition Fees: $18,474

San Diego Mesa College – Radiography

7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego CA 92111
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 96 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 98%  Job Placement Rate: 94%
Tuition Fees: $1,276 Resident, $5,078 Non-resident

San Joaquin General Hospital – Radiography

500 W. Hospital Road, French Camp CA 95231
Tel: (209) 468-6236
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 30 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 92%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 96%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $1,863 Resident, $9,558 Non-resident

Santa Barbara City College – Radiography

721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara CA 93109-2394
Tel: (805) 965-0581
Program Name: Medical Imaging Sciences
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 70 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 86%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%  Job Placement Rate: 97%
Tuition Fees: $1,413 Resident, $6,484 Non-resident

Santa Rosa Junior College – Radiography

1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa CA 95401-4395
Tel: (707) 527-4346
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Certificate
Duration: 51 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 85%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%  Job Placement Rate: 86%
Tuition Fees: $5,800 Resident, $11,000 Non-resident

University of California, Irvine Medical Center – Medical Dosimetry

101 The City Drive, B-23, Orange CA 92868
Tel: (714) 456-8156
Program Name: Medical Dosimetry
Program Type: Certificate (Post-Baccalaureate)
Duration: 2 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 100%
Tuition Fees: $12,000 Resident, $12,000 Non-resident

Yuba Community College – Radiography

2088 North Beale Road, Marysville CA 95901
Tel: (530) 741-6964
Program Name: Radiologic Technology
Program Type: Associate of Science
Duration: 48 months
Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 87%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%  Job Placement Rate: 80.25%
Tuition Fees: $1,742 Resident, $6,720 Non-resident