Radiologic Technologist jobs in Philadelphia, PA
Local pay, hiring demand and training costs for becoming a radiologic technologist in the Philadelphia, PA metro (6.2 million people). Hospital systems and universities anchor employment, and building trades unions run some of the oldest apprenticeships in the country. Costs stay well below New York for a similar wage.
Philadelphia numbers
- Local entry pay
- $57k–$70k
- Local experienced pay
- $83k–$111k with CT, MRI or interventional cross-training
- Local training cost
- $5,700–$20,900 at a community college
- Hiring demand
- Very high in the Philadelphia metro
- Time to qualify
- 2 years
- Credential needed
- ARRT registration plus state license
Pay in Philadelphia runs 6% above the national average, while cost of living is 6% above the national average. Net effect: About average — pay and costs roughly cancel out. Figures are modelled from national ranges adjusted by local wage and cost indexes — treat them as planning estimates, not job offers.
Job availability in Philadelphia
Demand for healthcare roles here is very high across a metro of 6.2 million. Employers and training providers worth checking first:
- Jefferson Health
- Penn Medicine
- Community College of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Building Trades
What training costs here
Programs in Philadelphia run 5% below the national average — roughly $5,700–$20,900 at a community college to reach your arrt registration plus state license. Compare a local community or technical college against employer-paid apprenticeships before you pay tuition.
AI impact
Low. AI reads images; technologists position patients, run equipment and manage safety.
Getting started from Philadelphia
Phase 1
Work in patient transport or as a radiology aide
Hospital entry roles get you inside the department, and many systems offer tuition support after 90 days.
Phase 2
Finish a JRCERT-accredited program
Two years of coursework and clinicals, then pass the ARRT registry exam for your license.
Phase 3
Cross-train into CT, MRI or interventional
Each added modality raises pay. Interventional and MRI techs are the highest-paid and most requested for travel contracts.