Radiologic Technologist Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Radiologic technologists are among the best-paid two-year healthcare careers in Tucson, and the local pipeline is unusually strong - every graduate of Pima Community College's Radiologic Technology program over the past five years found a job within a year. Arizona requires both a state MRTBE license and national ARRT certification, and the work spreads across the hospital imaging departments, Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, and Radiology Ltd, the region's large outpatient imaging group. Specializing in CT, MRI, or mammography pushes pay higher still.
Current Radiologic Technologist Openings in Tucson, AZ
Top Tucson Employers Hiring Radiologic Technologists
Imaging jobs in Tucson run across hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics. Each link lands on current openings:
- Banner University Medical Center Tucson - the academic medical center's imaging department, hiring radiographers plus CT, MRI, and interventional techs.
- TMC Health - the east-side hospital system hiring radiologic technologists across diagnostic and surgical imaging.
- Carondelet and Northwest - hospital imaging roles across St. Joseph's, St. Mary's, and the Northwest facilities.
- Radiology Ltd - the region's large outpatient imaging group, hiring techs across X-ray, CT, MRI, and mammography.
- Tucson Orthopaedic Institute and specialty clinics - orthopedic, urgent-care, and specialty practices hiring radiographers.
- El Rio Health - community health imaging and mammography roles serving Tucson neighborhoods.
Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Tucson
- Entry-level: about $55,000 - $65,000 per year ($26 - $31 per hour)
- Experienced: about $66,000 - $83,000 per year ($32 - $40 per hour)
- Senior / specialty (CT, MRI, mammography, lead): about $83,000 - $104,000+ per year ($40 - $50 per hour)
These are estimates that vary by employer, modality, and shift. Specializing in CT, MRI, mammography, or nuclear medicine raises pay significantly, hospital roles often add night and weekend differentials, and travel assignments can pay well above staff rates. Benefits typically include health insurance, retirement matching, and certification reimbursement.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Tucson
The local route is Pima Community College's Radiologic Technology program, a two-year associate degree that has placed every graduate in a job within a year over the past five years, and the University and other Arizona schools offer programs as well. To work in Arizona you need a state license from the Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (MRTBE) plus national certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), along with current BLS. After becoming a registered radiographer, you can add ARRT credentials in advanced modalities like CT, MRI, mammography, or nuclear medicine to qualify for higher-paying specialty roles.
What the Job Involves
A Tucson radiologic technologist positions patients and operates imaging equipment to capture X-rays and other diagnostic images, ensuring image quality and following strict radiation-safety protocols while working under a radiologist's direction. The setting shapes the day - a hospital tech handles inpatient, emergency, portable, and operating-room imaging across all hours, while an outpatient tech at Radiology Ltd or an orthopedic clinic runs a steadier schedule of scheduled exams. Clear communication and patient care matter as much as technical skill.
Skills Employers Look For
- ARRT certification and an Arizona MRTBE license
- Accurate patient positioning and imaging technique
- Strict radiation-safety practice
- Attention to detail and image-quality judgment
- Comfort with imaging systems and electronic records
- Specialty credentials in CT, MRI, or mammography for advancement
Career Path & Advancement
Radiologic technology has a clear, well-paid ladder in Tucson. Most techs start in general radiography, then specialize by earning ARRT credentials in CT, MRI, mammography, nuclear medicine, or interventional imaging, each of which raises pay. From there, experienced techs move into lead, supervisor, and imaging-manager roles, or cross into related fields like diagnostic medical sonography. Because hospitals and the large imaging groups are always hiring, specialization is the main route to higher earnings.
Related Careers in Tucson
If you are exploring skilled clinical and imaging roles in Tucson, these related guides are worth a look:
- Healthcare Jobs in Tucson, AZ
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- Registered Nurse Jobs in Tucson, AZ
- Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a radiologic technologist in Tucson?
Yes. To work in Arizona you need a state license from the Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (MRTBE) plus national certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), along with current BLS. Employers across Tucson require both credentials for staff and travel positions.
How long does it take to become a rad tech in Tucson?
The standard route is a two-year associate degree, such as Pima Community College's Radiologic Technology program, which combines classroom work with clinical rotations and prepares you for the ARRT exam. After becoming licensed, you can add specialty modality credentials over time to advance.
How much do radiologic technologists make in Tucson?
Entry-level radiologic technologists in Tucson generally earn about $26 to $31 per hour, experienced techs roughly $32 to $40 per hour, and senior or specialty roles in CT, MRI, or mammography around $40 to $50 per hour or more. Hospital shift differentials and travel assignments can raise total pay further.
How do you earn more as a rad tech in Tucson?
The main way to raise your pay is to specialize. Earning additional ARRT credentials in CT, MRI, mammography, nuclear medicine, or interventional imaging qualifies you for higher-paying roles, and moving into lead or supervisor positions adds more. Night, weekend, and travel work also carry premium pay.
Where do radiologic technologists work in Tucson?
Tucson radiologic technologists work in the hospital imaging departments at Banner, TMC, Carondelet, and Northwest, at the large outpatient imaging group Radiology Ltd, and at specialty and orthopedic clinics like Tucson Orthopaedic Institute. Community health centers such as El Rio also hire for imaging and mammography.
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