Medical Skilled Trades
CT Technologist
CT technologists run computed tomography scanners, which combine many X-ray images into detailed cross-sections of the body. It is a specialty that radiologic technologists can add after they qualify.
1.Career snapshot
- Role
- CT Technologist
- Pay (planning range)
- $70K–$105K+ Wealth Playbook guide, 2026
- Training time
- 2+ years total
- Pathway
- Medical Imaging
- Demand
- Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians (the group that includes CT technologists) is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Patient contact
- High
- Occupation code
- SOC 29-2034 · O*NET 29-2034.00
BLS reports CT technologists within Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (29-2034); BLS says radiologic technologists specialize in X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging, and O*NET lists "CT Tech (Computed Tomography Technologist)" among reported job titles for 29-2034.00. Wage and outlook figures shown are for the whole 29-2034 group.
- Diagnostic / technology-focused
- Career advancement potential
2.What you'll do
Everyday work and where it happens
You review the physician's order, explain the scan, and prepare the patient, which may include preparing contrast material under a radiologist's direction. You position the patient, run the CT scanner, check image quality, and work with the radiologist on whether more images are needed. Imaging is sometimes needed in emergencies, so some scans are urgent.
Typical duties
- Explain procedures and observe patients for safety and comfort during scans
- Prepare contrast material under a radiologist's direction
- Position patients and equipment to get the correct images
- Operate computerized CT imaging equipment
- Complete quality control checks and report equipment problems
- Record, process and maintain patient data and reports
- Where you could work
- Hospitals, Offices of physicians, Medical and diagnostic laboratories, Outpatient care centers
- Schedule
- Most radiologic technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergencies, some work evenings, weekends or overnight shifts.
- Physical demands
- Often on your feet for long periods, and you may need to lift or turn injured patients. You wear a radiation badge and use shielding to limit exposure.
- Patient contact
- High
3.How to get there
Education, training, exams and licensing
- Typical training
- Radiography + CT specialization
- Training time
- 2+ years total
1.Become a radiologic technologist first
Earn an associate's degree in radiography and ARRT certification in Radiography (see the Radiologic Technologist page). ARRT also accepts Nuclear Medicine Technology or Radiation Therapy as the supporting credential for CT.
2.Complete CT structured education and clinical experience
ARRT's postprimary pathway requires documented structured education and a set list of CT clinical procedures before you apply.
3.Pass the ARRT Computed Tomography exam
Passing adds the CT credential to your ARRT registration.
4.Check your state's rules
Most states license radiologic technologists; check whether your state has extra requirements for CT.
Exams and credentials
- ARRT certification and registration in Radiography (supporting credential)
- ARRT postprimary certification in Computed Tomography; ARRT writes the combined credential as R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT)
Licensing
Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified; some states may have extra rules for CT. Employers typically require or prefer certified technologists. Requirements vary by state; check your state health board.
Look up your state's license requirements (opens in a new tab)
4.What it costs
Tuition, fees, exams and financial aid
Costs vary by program.
ARRT postprimary application fee for CT: $225 with an ARRT supporting credential; $450 when the supporting credential is from NMTCB (arrt.org, read October 2026). Reapplying after a failed attempt: $200. This is on top of the $225 primary Radiography application.
Grants, loans and work-study can help pay for an eligible program. Start with the FAFSA at studentaid.gov (opens in a new tab), and ask each program what its total cost includes.
5.What you can earn
Starting, median and experienced pay, and where the figures come from
Planning range
$70K–$105K+
Planning range from the Wealth Playbook medical careers guide, 2026
Local wage data isn't loaded yet, so this is a broad planning range, not a wage figure.
A planning range is broad and has no median: it is for planning, not a promise of pay. Starting, median and experienced wages will show here when BLS wage data is loaded.
For reference only (not this page's pay figure): BLS median, May 2025, national: $80,110 a year (source, opens in a new tab). This is the figure for all radiologic technologists and technicians (29-2034), the group BLS counts CT technologists in.
6.Jobs near you
Coming soon
We plan to show local openings here once a job-data source is connected. Until then, you can search current listings yourself.
7.Career ladder
Next certifications and roles
- Radiologic Technologist (X-Ray)(The required starting point: Radiography is an accepted supporting credential for CT.)
- CT Technologist(this career)
- MRI Technologist(ARRT MRI certification via the postprimary pathway using your Radiography credential.)
- Lead Technologist or Imaging Manager(A leadership role. Medical and health services managers typically need a bachelor's degree, per BLS.)
8.Your wealth path
From your first paycheck to owning and investing
Train
Certify
Get hired
Advance
Build wealth
Own / invest
Estimated take-home pay
Low end of the planning range: $70,000 a year
About $54,881 a year ($4,573 a month)
High end of the planning range: $105,000 a year
About $77,754 a year ($6,480 a month)
Estimate only. Assumptions: tax year 2026, single filer, the standard deduction, federal income tax, FICA at 7.65%, and a default state income tax rate of 5.00% (choose a state above to use its rate). No retirement contributions or other deductions. The Paycheck calculator uses the same engine.
9.Find training
Free U.S. Department of Labor resources. We don't list or rank schools.
Registered apprenticeships exist for some of these roles. For licensed careers, check that a program meets your state's licensing rules.
10.Compare careers
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Sources
- Pay: Planning range from the Wealth Playbook medical careers guide, 2026 (a planning range, not wage data).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Radiologic and MRI Technologists (opens in a new tab)
- O*NET OnLine: 29-2034.00 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (opens in a new tab)
- ARRT: Computed Tomography credential (opens in a new tab)
- ARRT: Supporting Category Requirements (postprimary) (opens in a new tab)
- ARRT: Postprimary Requirement (opens in a new tab)
- ARRT: Application Fees (opens in a new tab)
- ARRT: Fees (including reapplication) (opens in a new tab)