Radiologic Technologist Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Radiologic technologists in Tucson run the X-ray, CT and MRI rooms at TMC Health, Carondelet's two hospitals and Radiology Ltd's outpatient imaging centers. Rad techs here averaged $41.09 an hour in May 2025, and Pima Community College trains new ones at its West Campus. Current openings are below.
Current Radiologic Technologist Openings in Tucson, AZ
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Radiologic Technologist Work in Tucson
Imaging work in Tucson follows the hospitals. TMC Health covers midtown from its Grant Road campus and posts imaging technologist jobs at TMC Rincon and its TMCOne orthopedic and urgent care clinics. Carondelet St. Joseph's on the east side and Carondelet St. Mary's on the west side both run imaging departments, and Northwest Healthcare covers the northwest side and Oro Valley. Banner - University Medical Center Tucson, next to the University of Arizona, is Southern Arizona's only Level I trauma center.
Outpatient imaging is the other big employer. Radiology Ltd runs a network of imaging centers across the metro and recruits CT, MRI, DEXA, ultrasound and mammography technologists. BLS counted about 520 radiologic technologists and 80 MRI technologists working in the Tucson metro in May 2025.
Top Tucson Employers Hiring Radiologic Technologists
These Tucson employers have posted or named rad tech roles on their own careers sites:
- TMC Health - Imaging Technologist I and II openings in CT and MRI at Tucson Medical Center, TMC Rincon and TMCOne Rita Orthopedics.
- Carondelet Health Network - radiology tech and MRI tech roles at St. Joseph's and senior CT tech roles at St. Mary's.
- Radiology Ltd - the region's outpatient imaging group, recruiting CT, MRI, DEXA, ultrasound and mammography technologists.
- Northwest Healthcare - Northwest Medical Center and Oro Valley Hospital hire radiologic technologists and CT and MRI techs in imaging and diagnostics.
Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level (new ARRT radiographer): roughly $30 to $36 an hour.
- Experienced (3 to 7 years): roughly $36 to $44 an hour.
- CT, MRI or lead technologist: roughly $44 to $54 an hour.
These are estimates that vary by employer and experience. BLS put the Tucson mean at $41.09 an hour for radiologic technologists and $49.10 for MRI technologists in May 2025. Adding CT or MRI is the biggest lever, and Radiology Ltd advertises enhanced shift differential pay.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Tucson
The local route is Pima Community College's Radiologic Technology associate degree, an in-person program at West Campus on Anklam Road that runs a little over two years full time, summers included. It prepares you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam, and Pima reports a 100 percent first-time pass rate in four of the last five years. To work in Arizona you also need a radiologic technologist certificate from the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Special Licensing, which took over from the old Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners in 2018. The state requires an approved program and an exam built on ARRT content.
What the Job Involves
A radiologic technologist positions patients, sets technique and captures diagnostic images while keeping radiation dose as low as possible. In a hospital that means emergency films, portable X-rays on the floors and imaging in the operating room at any hour. In an outpatient center the day is a steadier schedule of booked exams. Either way you check orders, explain the exam, protect the patient and send clean images to the radiologist.
Skills Employers Look For
- ARRT registration and an Arizona DHS radiologic technologist certificate
- Accurate positioning and exposure technique
- Radiation safety and shielding practice
- CT or MRI cross-training for advancement
- Calm patient communication, including trauma and pediatric patients
- BLS certification
Career Path and Advancement
The usual Tucson start is general radiography, often per diem or nights at a hospital, followed by CT or MRI. TMC's own job ladder runs Imaging Technologist I to II, and Carondelet posts senior CT roles. From there techs move into lead, supervisor and imaging manager jobs, into outpatient specialty work at Radiology Ltd, or into related fields like sonography and nuclear medicine.
Related Careers in Tucson
These Tucson guides cover the closest alternatives for rad techs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a radiologic technologist in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona requires a radiologic technologist certificate from the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Special Licensing. Tucson employers also expect ARRT registration, which you earn by finishing an accredited program and passing the ARRT exam.
How long does it take to become a rad tech in Tucson?
Pima Community College's Radiologic Technology degree takes a little over two years full time, including summers, at West Campus. After graduation you sit for the ARRT exam and apply for your state certificate before starting work.
How much do radiologic technologists make in Tucson?
BLS put the Tucson mean at $41.09 an hour in May 2025. New techs usually start around $30 to $36 an hour, and CT, MRI and lead technologists can reach $44 to $54. Shift differentials can add to that.
Which Tucson employers hire the most rad techs?
The hospital systems post the most openings: TMC Health, Carondelet's St. Joseph's and St. Mary's, and Northwest Healthcare. Radiology Ltd, the region's outpatient imaging group, recruits CT, MRI and mammography technologists.
Is it worth adding CT or MRI in Tucson?
Yes. MRI technologists in Tucson averaged $49.10 an hour in May 2025, well above general radiographers, and many current hospital postings are for CT or MRI. The extra ARRT credential in CT or MRI is the usual next step after general radiography.
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