How To Become A Computed Tomography Technologist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computed tomography technologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Dr. Heidi Shelton D.C., R.T(R)

Computed Tomography Technologists use computerized tomography (CT) scanners to take images of a patient's body from different angles. These images may include the patients' internal organs and tissues. These are used for the diagnosis of medical issues. CT technologists prepare patients for CT procedures by answering their questions and providing necessary instructions to reduce anxiety. They are responsible for operating computed tomography equipment and accessories.

You would likely work in hospitals, imaging centers, clinics, labs, outpatient centers, and other medical facilities in this position. Additionally, the work can either be full- or part-time. To get a job, you must have a high school diploma and graduate from an accredited radiology program. Employers often require a certificate from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Their base salary ranges from $67,130 to $80,340, with the average being $73,500. The average hourly pay ranges from $32 to $38.

What general advice would you give to a Computed Tomography Technologist?

Dr. Heidi Shelton D.C., R.T(R)

Clinical Coordinator, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

There are many ways to maximize your salary potential, anywhere from taking on extra shifts and call, to taking on bigger responsibilities like a leadership or supervisor role. It is important to maintain your registry through valid continuing education credits that would actually improve your skills and benefit the clinic or hospital you work at. In addition, post-primary certifications can also allow you to obtain a higher salary. Most importantly, working with a financial planner will help you learn how to save and maximize your income.

ScoreComputed Tomography TechnologistUS Average

Salary

4.7

Avg. Salary $60,749

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

8.8

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%

Asian 6.05%

Black or African American 5.39%

Hispanic or Latino 10.19%

Unknown 4.14%

White 73.75%

Gender

female 60.07%

male 39.93%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

8.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

6.8

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

8.5

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a computed tomography technologist

Explore computed tomography technologist education requirements

Most common computed tomography technologist degrees

Associate

56.6 %

Bachelor's

33.6 %

Certificate

4.5 %

Start to develop specific computed tomography technologist skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	23.38%
CT	15.87%
ARRT	11.20%
CPR	8.05%
Power Injectors	5.02%

Complete relevant computed tomography technologist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computed tomography technologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computed tomography technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computed tomography technologist resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming a licensed computed tomography technologist usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed computed tomography technologist in most of states. 32 states require computed tomography technologists to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License Url
Alaska	Specific course required	Third-party exam required	Radiologic Technologists
Arkansas	Degree required	Both state and third-party exams required	Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)
California	Degree required	Third-party exam required	California Radiologic Technologist (CRT)
Colorado	Specific course required	Third-party exam required	Radiologic Technologists
Connecticut	Specific course required	Third-party exam required	Radiographer

Research computed tomography technologist duties and responsibilities

Achieve professional certification from the ARRT in the modality of compute tomography.
Used EMR software to manage patient records and files while ensuring patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
Start iv's, use epic and IMPAX.
Qualify ACLS and BLS provider.

Prepare your computed tomography technologist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computed tomography technologist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computed tomography technologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Computed Tomography Technologist Resume templates

Build a professional Computed Tomography Technologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Computed Tomography Technologist resume.

Apply for computed tomography technologist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a computed tomography technologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average computed tomography technologist salary

The average Computed Tomography Technologist salary in the United States is $60,749 per year or $29 per hour. Computed tomography technologist salaries range between $34,000 and $106,000 per year.

Average Computed Tomography Technologist Salary

$60,749 Yearly

$29.21 hourly

How do computed tomography technologists rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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1 Star

Computed Tomography Technologist reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020

Pros

use of advanced technology to help diagnose and treat people for their illnesses

Cons

people who are rude and demanding and refuse to acknowledge that they are not the only person needing the service- and complain about waiting and wanting things done faster

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019