Radiology Technologist in California

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$107,670

trending_up +38.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, California.

engineering

19,550

Jobs (CA)

monitoring Strong

+4.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$337

Licensing fees

schedule

Approximately 2 years for education, plus 4-6 weeks for application processing and exam results.

Time to complete

route How to become a radiology technologist in California

To become a Certified Radiologic Technologist in California, individuals must complete a California-approved radiologic technology program and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography Examination. The application is submitted to the California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) with a fee of $112.00. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check. While ARRT certification is recognized, California may require its own state-specific examination if not ARRT-certified, and separate permits are needed for specialized procedures like fluoroscopy.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $63,300

25th percentile $84,260

50th (median) $107,670

75th percentile $133,840

90th (experienced) $164,550

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for California. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist California requirements

Licensing body	California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB)
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a California-approved radiologic technology program
Exam	ARRT Radiography Examination and California State examination ($225)
Application fee	$112
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18 is required. A thorough background investigation is also required. In addition to the ARRT exam, California requires its own state-specific examination for certification if not ARRT-certified. Separate permits are required for fluoroscopy, and 4 of the 24 CE hours must be in digital radiography. If holding a mammography certificate, 10 of the 24 CE hours must be in mammography. If holding a fluoroscopy permit, 4 of the 24 CE hours must be in radiation safety for clinical uses of fluoroscopy.

Source: California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.3%

Faster than average

Annual openings

12,900

Nationwide per year

Total employment

228,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.56/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleCalifornia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a radiology technologist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a radiology technologist in California? expand_more

The path to radiology technologist licensure in California: complete the required education (Completion of a California-approved radiologic technology program), pass the ARRT Radiography Examination and California State examination, and submit your application ($112 fee).

Does California require radiology technologist licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in California. California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) handles radiology technologist licensing — the ARRT Radiography Examination and California State examination is part of the process.

How much does a radiology technologist make in California? expand_more

The median radiology technologist salary in California is $107,670 per year. This exceeds the $77,660 national median by 39%. Wages range from $63,300 (10th percentile) up to $164,550 (90th percentile).

How expensive is radiology technologist licensing in California? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($225) and application fee ($112). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a radiology technologist in California? expand_more

In California, becoming a radiology technologist generally takes Approximately 2 years for education, plus 4-6 weeks for application processing and exam results., accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does California require continuing education for radiology technologists? expand_more

Yes — radiology technologists in California must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.