Radiology Technologist vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Stepping up from Radiology Technologist to Licensed Practical Nurse is a classic healthcare ladder move. We ran the numbers on when the extra months of school pay for themselves and when they don't.
Radiology Technologists earn more — a $80,110 national median vs $64,400 for licensed practical nurses, a $15,710/yr gap.
What the day actually looks like
A Radiology Technologist’s day is procedure-driven, focusing on technology and patient positioning for brief, distinct imaging exams like X-rays or CT scans. They work with physicians to ensure diagnostic image quality. An LPN’s shift involves continuous, hands-on patient care, from administering medications and monitoring vital signs to wound care, often for multiple patients at once. LPNs typically report to a Registered Nurse, managing a broader range of ongoing patient needs.
Where each role is actually hiring
Demand for Radiology Technologists is concentrated in hospitals—which employ about 60% of them—and outpatient imaging centers. Vacancy rates are high for specialized roles like CT and MRI technologists. LPN hiring is strongest in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, and home health settings, which are the largest employers of LPNs. While some hospitals have shifted hiring toward RNs, demand for LPNs remains robust in outpatient clinics and correctional facilities.
If you start as a Radiology Technologist today
Transitioning from a Radiology Technologist to an LPN requires completing a separate practical nursing program, which typically takes 12 to 14 months. While some general education credits may transfer, the core clinical training is distinct and does not usually have a direct bridge. The more common advancement for a Rad Tech is specializing in other imaging modalities like MRI or CT. Conversely, an LPN can pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program to advance their career.
Sources cited (13)
payments Salary
Who earns more?
Radiology Technologists earn $15,710 more per year at the median. That's roughly $1,309/month before taxes — a gap that compounds over a career but needs to be weighed against any difference in training time or upfront costs.
State-by-state pay
| State | Radiology Technologist | Licensed Practical Nurse | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $121,260 | $79,750 | +41,510 |
| Washington | $102,090 | $83,150 | +18,940 |
| Massachusetts | $103,620 | $80,220 | +23,400 |
| Oregon | $102,290 | $80,470 | +21,820 |
| Alaska | $98,920 | $80,800 | +18,120 |
| District of Columbia | $102,770 | $75,740 | +27,030 |
| Hawaii | $101,700 | $71,140 | +30,560 |
| New Jersey | $95,000 | $75,160 | +19,840 |
| Arizona | $89,200 | $77,070 | +12,130 |
| Connecticut | $91,970 | $73,690 | +18,280 |
checklist Requirements at a glance
| Factor | Radiology Technologist | Licensed Practical Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Typical time | 2 years | 1-2 years |
| Est. total cost | — | — |
| Exam | ARRT Radiography Examination | NCLEX-PN |
| License required | Many states | Most states |
| Education | Completion of an accredited radiologic technology program | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| CE hours / cycle | 23 hrs | 22 hrs |
Barrier to entry
Timeline differs: Radiology Technologist typically takes 2 years, while Licensed Practical Nurse takes 1-2 years.
trending_up Job market
Market outlook
Growth projections are similar — Radiology Technologist at +4.3% and Licensed Practical Nurse at +2.6%. If market size matters to you, Licensed Practical Nurse is the larger field: about 54,400 openings annually against 12,900. That gap shows up most clearly in smaller metro areas where the narrower profession may have zero open positions in a given month.
flag Bottom line
Radiology Technologist pays $15,710/year more at the national median. Over a 10-year career, that's roughly $157,100 in gross earnings — though Radiology Technologist may require more training upfront.
Clock time to credential: 2 years for Radiology Technologist, 1-2 years for Licensed Practical Nurse. Your answer to 'is the longer path worth it' depends mostly on how much your current income replaces what you'd earn while in school.
Frequently asked questions
Which pays better: radiology technologist or licensed practical nurse? expand_more
Which certification takes more effort: radiology technologist or licensed practical nurse? expand_more
Is it common to transition from radiology technologist to licensed practical nurse? expand_more
Which has better job prospects, radiology technologist or licensed practical nurse? expand_more
Is licensing required for radiology technologists and licensed practical nurses? expand_more
Explore each career
Moving states? Check license reciprocity
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source Sources
- Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), most recent annual release.
- Career outlook and annual openings: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- Licensing requirements: compiled per-state from primary state licensing boards; per-state sources are cited on each Radiology Technologist and Licensed Practical Nurse state page.
See our full methodology for data refresh schedule and known limitations. Updated 2026.