Computed Tomography Technologist Job Description

CT Tech in front of computer

Computed Tomography Technologists (CT Techs) are specialized in using CT machines and other technology to create 3D images for diagnostic testing. These scans help diagnose cancer, tumors, muscle and bone disorders, and much more. This is a highly specialized career. CT Techs create a story of the body by imaging different layers of the body (blood vessels, bone, muscle, fat) so practitioners can understand exactly what is going on internally with a patient.

Top 5 Highest Paying States for CT Techs

Tennessee

Career and salary advancement can depend on the state you are in. If you want to increase your annual salary, it might be worth looking into permanent positions in high-paying states or being a travel CT Tech. Tennessee, the highest paying state for a CT Tech, pays around $37,000 more than in the lowest paying state of Georgia according to ZipRecruiter. That is a huge gap! When looking at states and salary, remember to keep in mind the cost of living of each state. For example, it costs more to live in Hawaii than in Minnesota so your gross income may actually be less after paying for expenses.

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Tennessee$103,527$8,627$1,990$49.77
Hawaii$100,468$8,372$1,932$48.30
Nevada$99,296$8,274$1,909$47.74
Massachusetts$98,937$8,244$1,902$47.57
Minnesota$98,892$8,241$1,901$47.54

5 of The Lowest Paying States for CT Techs

Georgia is the lowest paying state for CT Techs followed closely by some other southern states. The salary for CT Techs in Georgia pays 36% less than the highest paying state. If you live in Georgia, or one of the states listed below, it might be financially beneficial to travel to a nearby state on a temporary contract to boost your income! Explore travel CT Tech jobs.

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Georgia$66,363$5,530$1,276$31.91
Florida$67,943$5,661$1,306$32.67
North Carolina$70,118$5,843$1,348$33.71
Alabama$2,133$6,011$1,387$34.68
New Mexico$73,078$6,089$1,405$35.13

Median Salary for CT Technologist

CT Technologist Percentile Salary

As of March 28, 2023 the national average for a CT Tech salary was $78,583 according to Salary.com. This can vary based on additional certifications, tenure in the field, and the location you are working in. Taking travel contracts locally or in other states is a great way to make a higher hourly wage than in a permanent position. It also adds experience to your resume. On average, travel CT Techs make 4% more than the national average salary. If you want to make a little extra cash, taking a local CT Tech contract or travel contract could be a great career move.

Historical Salary Outlook

CT Tech Salary Historic Outlook

We have good news! The job outlook for CT Techs is a secure and positive one. The number of jobs in the industry have been steadily increasing with little change. With the job demand, salary has also increased and continues to trend on a positive trajectory. The salary for CT Techs increases about 1-2% every year according to Zippia. In the last 10 years CT Tech salary has increased by roughly $9,296 nationally. That’s about a $775 increase per year.

Average CT Tech Salary By State

One of the largest drivers of change in salary is the state you are practicing in. As you can see the salary in different states can be drastic. CT Tech salary can vary because of local demand for the specialty, cost of living, and just the average pay in the area. The beautiful thing with being a CT Tech is that you have options and are in control of where your career goes!

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Alabama$72,133$6,011$1,387$34.68
Alaska$94,567$7,880$1,818$45.47
Arizona$82,809$6,900$1,592$39.81
Arkansas$81,270$6,772$1,562$39.07
California$85,490$7,124$1,644$41.10
Colorado$85,673$7,139$1,647$41.19
Connecticut$97,913$8,159$1,882$47.07
Delaware$84,748$7,062$1,629$40.74
Florida$67,943$5,661$1,306$32.67
Georgia$66,363$5,530$1,276$31.91
Hawaii$100,468$8,372$1,932$48.30
Idaho$86,930$7,244$1,671$41.79
Illinois$80,136$6,678$1,541$38.53
Indiana$79,958$6,663$1,537$38.44
Iowa$91,012$7,584$1,750$43.76
Kansas$84,812$7,067$1,631$40.78
Kentucky$85,668$7,139$1,647$41.19
Louisiana$79,173$6,597$1,522$38.06
Maine$81,181$6,765$1,561$39.03
Maryland$89,865$7,488$1,728$43.20
Massachusetts$98,937$8,244$1,902$47.57
Michigan$79,855$6,654$1,535$38.39
Minnesota$98,892$8,241$1,901$47.54
Mississippi$83,234$6,936$1,600$40.02
Missouri$78,856$6,571$1,516$37.91
Montana$79,084$6,590$1,520$38.02
Nebraska$84,421$7,035$1,623$40.59
Nevada$99,296$8,274$1,909$47.74
New Hampshire$86,623$7,218$1,665$41.65
New Jersey$82,813$6,901$1,592$39.81
New Mexico$73,078$6,089$1,405$35.13
New York$93,582$7,798$1,799$44.99
North Carolina$70,118$5,843$1,348$33.71
North Dakota$92,908$7,742$1,786$44.67
Ohio$93,747$7,812$1,802$45.07
Oklahoma$80,667$6,722$1,551$38.78
Oregon$95,219$7,934$1,831$45.78
Pennsylvania$77,009$6,417$1,480$37.02
Rhode Island$95,376$7,948$1,834$45.85
South Carolina$83,680$6,973$1,609$40.23
South Dakota$89,095$7,424$1,713$42.83
Tennessee$103,527$8,627$1,990$49.77
Texas$77,117$6,426$1,483$37.08
Utah$91,376$7,614$1,757$43.93
Vermont$85,014$7,084$1,634$40.87
Virginia$87,452$7,287$1,681$42.04
Washington$94,450$7,870$1,816$45.41
West Virginia$78,885$6,573$1,517$37.93
Wisconsin$77,187$6,432$1,484$37.11
Wyoming$82,085$6,840$1,578$39.46

Average Job Salary for Travel CT Tech

Like most travel allied contracts, the hourly and weekly pay is most likely higher than a staff position. This is because the demand is high to fill the temporary gaps at hospitals. According to Vivian as of May 5, 2023, the average travel CT Tech was making $2,389 per week. This is almost 38% higher than the national average. But wait, it gets even better! The highest rate for CT Techs currently is a whopping $4,406 per week! Now that might be worth traveling for. Browse available travel contracts here!

Staff CT Tech Versus Travel CT Tech

CT Tech loading patient

Whether or not to jump into the world of travel CT Tech contracts really depends on your wants and needs. Both staff and travel are great options for different reasons. Below we talk about the pros and cons of travel CT Tech positions to help give you a better idea of which path is the right one for you!

Pros of Travel CT Tech

  • Higher hourly pay
  • Increase freedom and flexibility
  • Decrease burnout
  • Avoid hospital politics

The largest factor in someone deciding to take a travel contract is usually the increased pay. Getting paid more as a travel CT Tech allows more freedom as well. You can choose when you want to take a travel contract, where, and for how long. You can also take breaks in between contracts to travel or have quality family time. Some find that traveling contracts can decrease burnout and fatigue by enjoying this time off and avoiding hospital politics.

Cons of Travel CT Tech

  • Unpredictable
  • Work at new facilities every contract
  • Time away from family

There is a lot of good that comes from traveling, but some downsides as well. Travel allied contracts aren’t always guaranteed. Although this doesn’t happen often, facilities can cancel your contract. Unlike a staff position, travel contracts aren’t always as secure. Contracts generally range from 8-13 weeks. After these contracts are over, you can extend your contract, take time off, or find another one. This can cause stress to individuals who like to have a routine. You also go to different facilities and work with different people every contract. So you have to re-learn the processes every contract. Depending on where you take the contract, you could be away from loved ones for a few weeks at a time.

As you can see there are some great benefits of traveling as a CT Tech! It just comes down to your wants and needs and what you are comfortable with! We would be thrilled to answer any questions you have or help find the perfect CT Technologist travel contract for you! chat with a recruiter about what nationwide contracts are available!