Confused about whether to become a radiology nurse vs radiology tech? Both work behind the scenes of life-saving imaging procedures, but one aims towards patient care and the other aims towards operating high-tech imaging machines. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between radiology nurse vs radiologic technologists, their education, salaries, career growth, and responsibilities. Before we start, sign up with SkillGigs to explore the best travel nurse jobs with high pay and benefits.
Radiology Nurse vs Radiology Tech
If you are a nurse who cannot decide whether to pursue a career as a radiology nurse or a radiologic technologist, then here is the guide that will help you choose the right path.
Radiology nurse:
Role:
Nurses who provide care to patients undergoing imaging procedures such as CT scans, MRI, X-rays, etc.
Educational requirements:
- Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN)or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
- Pass the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.
- Experience in radiology nursing.
- Getting certifications is optional, but it can be beneficial, such as BLS, ACLS, CRN, CCRN, etc.
Responsibilities:
- Radiology nurses evaluate the patients before, during, and after imaging procedures such as MRI, CT scan, etc.
- They also check the medical history of the patient, such as their allergies, current medications, etc.
- Educate and prepare the patient for the procedures.
- Administer medications and contrasts.
- Recognize and manage complications instantly.
- Follow protocols for radiation safety.
Salary:
The average hourly pay for a Radiology Nurse in the United States is $54.65 an hour. Source: Radiology Nurse Salary: Hourly Rate October 2025 USA
Job Outlook:
The growth rate for radiology nurses is expected to be 9% from 2020 to 2030.
Radiologist technologists
Role:
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiology techs, are imaging experts in diagnostic imaging. They operate imaging equipment to perform diagnostic procedures.
Educational requirements:
- Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology.
- Certifications and licensure requirements vary by state.
- Radiology techs can get a certification, such as AART, which is the primary certification, but then they can also get post-primary certifications, such as Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI), Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI), Bone Densitometry (BD), Breast Sonography (BS)
Responsibilities:
- Explaining imaging procedures to the patients.
- Operate imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.
- Radiology techs make sure that images are clear and accurate.
- Follow radiation safety protocols.
- They are also responsible for equipment maintenance.
Salary:
The average salary of radiologic technologists is $95,899 /year or $46 per hour ( source: Radiology Technician Salary: Hourly Rate October 2025 USA
Job outlook:
Radiology tech job is expected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034.
What is the difference between Radiologic Technicians and Radiology Technologists?
Both are known as radiology techs, but there is a difference between their education, responsibilities, and career approach. Radiologic technicians focus on basic imaging, such as X-rays, and usually require a 2-year associate degree or certification program. Radiology technologists are highly trained professionals who can perform advanced imaging such as MRI and CT. They require a 2 to 4-year nursing degree (ADN or BSN).
What certifications can a radiology nurse get to advance their career?
Certifications help nurses boost their resumes and advance their careers. Radiology nurses can go for the following certifications:
- Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
What certifications can a Radiologic Technologist (RT) get to advance their career?
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certifications, such as:
- Radiography (R)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Mammography (M)
- Bone Densitometry (BD)
- Sonography / Ultrasound (S)
- Vascular-Interventional Radiography (VI)
- Cardiac-Interventional Radiography (CI)
What is the salary for a radiology nurse in 2025?
The average salary of a radiology nurse in 2025 is $54.65 an hour.
What is the salary of a Radiologic Technologist?
The average salary of a radiology tech in 2025 is $95,899 /year or $46 per hour.
Are there opportunities for travel and remote work for Radiologic Technologists?
Yes, radiologic technologists have opportunities for both travel and remote work, especially in high-demand imaging areas. SkillGigs is an AI platform that matches you with the travel nursing jobs that you need. Explore radiologic technologists’ jobs on SkillGigs.
Conclusion
Both radiology nurses and Radiology tech are the heart of life-saving imaging procedures. The difference is that radiology nurses focus on patient care, whereas the other one focuses on mastering imaging technology. The education, salary, and job responsibilities vary, but both offer a rewarding future in healthcare. Are you ready to take your career to the next level and become a travel nurse? Sign up with SkillGigs and explore the high-paying travel nursing jobs that best match your skills and interests.
