worthsay

Radiologic Technology Salary in District of Columbia: Is It a Good Career?

District of Columbia · 2026 BLS salary data

Radiologic Technology pay in District of Columbia

The median wage is $102,770/yr — 28% above the national median. Among U.S. states, District of Columbiais one of the highest-paying states (#3 of 51).

The numbers in District of Columbia

Real BLS state-level figures for Radiologic Technology.

Median salary
$102,770/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$82,160 – $111,390
National median
$80,110/yr
Employed in District of Columbia
660

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in District of Columbia

Salary alone can mislead — District of Columbia costs 10% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
109.9
Nominal median
$102,770
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $93,512
State income tax
Up to 10.75%

District of Columbia's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #7 of 51, down from #3 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do radiologic technology professionals make in District of Columbia?

The median annual wage is $102,770 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $82,160 and $111,390. That's 28% above the national median.

Is District of Columbia a good state for radiologic technology?

By raw pay, District of Columbia is one of the highest-paying states (#3 of 51). Adjusted for cost of living (District of Columbia costs 10% more than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $93,512. District of Columbia's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #7 of 51, down from #3 on raw salary.

Are radiologic technology professionals in demand in District of Columbia?

About 660 people work in this field in District of Columbia (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +4.3% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Radiologic Technology nationally — District of Columbia pay is 28% above the national median. See the full Radiologic Technology career guide →

The verdict

Yes — radiologic technology offers solid pay from a two-year degree with stable demand, making it one of the better pay-to-education ratios in health care. The trade-offs are shift work and radiation-safety routines.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Good pay for a two-year associate degree
  • Stable, steady demand in health care
  • Clean clinical environment
  • Room to specialize (CT, MRI) for higher pay
  • Clear certification pathway

Cons

  • Shift work, including nights and weekends
  • Radiation-safety protocols and monitoring
  • On-your-feet, physically active days
  • Fairly flat ceiling without specialization

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting solid pay without a four-year degree
  • Those comfortable in clinical settings
  • Anyone open to specializing in CT/MRI

✗ Probably not if…

  • People who want a desk job
  • Those seeking a steep career ladder

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Radiologic Technology is worth it — titles link to the original threads.