Is Radiologic Technology a Good Career in Maine?
Maine · 2026 BLS salary data
Radiologic Technology pay in Maine
The median wage is $80,080/yr — about the same as the national median. Among U.S. states, Maineranks #23 of 51 states by median pay.
The numbers in Maine
Real BLS state-level figures for Radiologic Technology.
- Median salary
- $80,080/yr
- Pay range (25th–75th)
- $68,110 – $92,410
- National median
- $80,110/yr
- Employed in Maine
- 1,050
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.
What that pay is really worth in Maine
Salary alone can mislead — Maine costs 3% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).
- Cost of living (US=100)
- 97
- Nominal median
- $80,080
- Adjusted for cost of living
- ≈ $82,557
- State income tax
- Up to 7.15%
Maine's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #27 of 51, down from #23 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.
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.
- Worth it If you want good pay from a two-year degree in health care
- Worth it If you're comfortable with hospital shift work and safety protocols
- Not worth it If you want a high ceiling or a desk-based role
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.
- “Rad tech...life after the degree? Not just pay and jobs ...”r/Radiologymixed
- “Is rad tech a good career?”r/Radiology_memesquestioning
- “How did you know radiology tech is for you?”r/RadiologyCareersmixed
- “RAD TECH JOB MARKET?”r/RadiologyCareersmixed
- “Why is Rad Tech SO competitive?”r/RadiologyCareersmixed
- “Is going through xray school to be a xray tech worth it?”r/XRayPornquestioning
- “Should I stay in dead end IT career making $60K or go ...”r/careerguidancenegative/caution