isworthit

Is Radiologic Technology a Good Career in Tennessee?

Tennessee · 2026 BLS salary data

Radiologic Technology pay in Tennessee

The median wage is $64,630/yr — 19% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Tennesseeranks #47 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Tennessee

Real BLS state-level figures for Radiologic Technology.

Median salary
$64,630/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$59,610 – $78,700
National median
$80,110/yr
Employed in Tennessee
4,660

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

What that pay is really worth in Tennessee

Salary alone can mislead — Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
91.9
Nominal median
$64,630
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $70,326
State income tax
None

Tennessee's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #49 of 51, down from #47 on raw salary.

Tennessee levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

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, pros, and cons below apply to Radiologic Technology nationally — Tennessee pay is 19% below 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.