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Radiologic Technology Salary in Tennessee: Is It a Good Career?

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.

FAQ

How much do radiologic technology professionals make in Tennessee?

The median annual wage is $64,630 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $59,610 and $78,700. That's 19% below the national median.

Is Tennessee a good state for radiologic technology?

By raw pay, Tennessee ranks #47 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $70,326. Tennessee's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #49 of 51, down from #47 on raw salary. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are radiologic technology professionals in demand in Tennessee?

About 4,660 people work in this field in Tennessee (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 — 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.