Radiologic Technologist Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Radiologic technologists in Tucson average $41.09 an hour, according to the BLS, and the work runs from TMC Rincon on the southeast side to Radiology Ltd's imaging centers across the metro. Here are the current openings, followed by who is hiring, what it pays and how to get certified in Arizona.
Current radiologic technologist Openings in Tucson, AZ
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Radiologic Technologist Work in Tucson
About 520 radiologic technologists work in the Tucson metro, and they are spread across more kinds of employers than most healthcare roles. Hospital imaging departments at Tucson Medical Center, TMC Rincon and Carondelet St. Joseph's, a Level I trauma center on the east side, run around-the-clock X-ray and CT. Outpatient imaging is just as big: Radiology Ltd operates centers from Camp Lowell and La Cholla to Rincon, Rancho Vistoso and Green Valley, and Tucson Orthopaedic Institute runs X-ray in its offices on East Grant Road, North La Cholla Boulevard, Oro Valley and Marana.
That mix gives Tucson techs a real choice between hospital shifts with nights and weekends and clinic schedules with more regular daytime hours. Techs who add CT, MRI or mammography credentials have the most options, since both the hospitals and the imaging groups post for those modalities.
Top Tucson Employers Hiring Radiologic Technologists
These Tucson hospitals, imaging groups and orthopedic practices hire radiologic technologists:
- TMC Health - hires imaging technologists for X-ray at TMC Rincon, TMCOne orthopedics and urgent care, plus CT and MRI techs at Tucson Medical Center.
- Carondelet Health Network - Carondelet St. Joseph's and St. Mary's hospitals hire radiology techs for full-time and PRN shifts.
- Radiology Ltd - the Tucson imaging group recruits X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and mammography technologists for its outpatient centers.
- Tucson Orthopaedic Institute - the orthopedic practice hires full-time radiologic technologists for its Tucson-area offices.
Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level: about $30 to $33 an hour for newly registered techs.
- Experienced: roughly $34 to $45 an hour with a few years of hospital or clinic work.
- Senior / advanced modality: about $46 to $56 an hour for CT, MRI and lead technologists.
These are estimates based on the BLS May 2025 survey for the Tucson metro, which puts the median near $40 an hour and the top tenth above $56. Advanced modality credentials, night and weekend shifts, trauma center experience and lead duties move pay up, while outpatient clinics trade some of that premium for regular daytime schedules.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Tucson
Arizona requires state certification to take X-rays. Full-scope technologists hold an Arizona Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) credential, handled by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and Tucson employers also ask for registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and BLS. A limited-scope route exists for some clinic work: the Certified Practical Technologist in Radiology, which requires passing the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam. Locally, Pima Community College's Radiologic Technology associate degree takes a little over two years including summers at West Campus, and its graduates have posted a 100 percent first-attempt ARRT pass rate in four of the past five years.
What the Job Involves
Radiologic technologists position patients, set exposure factors, capture X-ray images and check them for quality before they go to the radiologist. They protect patients and staff from unnecessary radiation, operate portable units in emergency departments and operating rooms, keep accurate records and explain each exam to patients who may be anxious or in pain.
Skills Employers Look For
- ARRT registration in radiography
- Arizona radiologic technologist certification
- BLS certification
- Accurate positioning and radiation safety
- Portable and trauma imaging experience
- CT, MRI or mammography cross-training
- Calm, clear communication with patients
Career Path and Advancement
Many Tucson techs start in general X-ray at a hospital, an orthopedic office or an outpatient imaging center, then cross-train into CT, MRI, mammography or interventional radiology. TMC already posts separate Imaging Technologist I and II levels, and Carondelet posts lead interventional radiology roles, so the ladder runs from staff tech to advanced modality tech, lead technologist and imaging department supervisor.
Related Careers in Tucson
If imaging work interests you, these Tucson guides are close matches:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do radiologic technologists need a license in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona requires state certification through the Arizona Department of Health Services to perform X-rays. Full-scope techs hold the Certified Radiologic Technologist credential, and most Tucson employers also require ARRT registration.
How much do radiologic technologists make in Tucson?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the Tucson average at $41.09 an hour, or about $85,480 a year. New techs typically start around $30 to $33 an hour, and CT, MRI and lead technologists can earn $46 to $56.
How long does it take to become a rad tech in Tucson?
Pima Community College's Radiologic Technology associate degree takes a little over two years of full-time study, including summers, at West Campus. After graduating you sit for the ARRT exam and apply for Arizona certification.
Can I take X-rays in a Tucson clinic with a limited license?
Yes, within limits. Arizona offers a Certified Practical Technologist in Radiology credential for limited-scope work, which requires passing the ARRT Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography exam. Hospital and full-scope jobs still require a full radiologic technologist credential.
Do Tucson rad techs work nights and weekends?
Hospital techs at Tucson Medical Center, TMC Rincon and Carondelet often do, since emergency imaging runs around the clock. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic offices generally keep more regular daytime hours, though schedules vary by employer.
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