As we close out the year, RSG Health Services thought we would share our perspective on the current medical imaging job market and offer insight from the recruiter’s side of the table. As a company that specializes exclusively in helping medical imaging professionals find full-time employment, our view of the market is somewhat unique. We do not offer temporary or travel contracts. Instead, we work directly with healthcare employers across the country to fill long-term roles. This gives us access to real-time data on pay rates, bonuses, shift differentials, and hiring trends nationwide.
Over the past five years, the medical imaging job market has changed dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic created one of the most volatile hiring environments we have seen in our 25 years in business. As we move into 2026, the question is: what can technologists expect moving forward?
A Shift in Supply and Demand
One of the most significant developments is that allied health schools have somewhat caught up with employer demand. While this is not the case in every state or modality, certain regions are seeing a surplus of new graduates.
In states such as California, newly trained Sonographers and MRI Technologists are increasingly struggling to secure full-time roles. Similar trends are emerging in Florida, Nevada, and Ohio, particularly within sonography. Since December of last year, sonography job requisitions from our clients have declined by more than 30%, indicating that many employers are no longer facing significant hiring challenges in this modality.
MRI Hiring Trends
MRI requisitions are also down compared to last year. While opportunities still exist—especially in rural markets—many of these positions are located in areas without nearby training programs. Additionally, critical-access hospital may not provide MRI services at all, and a 100-bed hospital might employ only two or three MRI technologists compared to ten or more Radiologic Technologists.
Continued Demand for Multi-Modality Technologists
Across most of the states we serve, demand remains strong for multi-modality technologists. Healthcare systems are firmly in an era of “doing more with less,” and imaging leaders value professionals who are willing to contribute across multiple departments. We expect this trend to continue well into the future.
Growing Demand in Mammography and Nuclear Medicine
There is also good news. We have seen a notable increase in demand for Mammography and Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Prior to 2020, these roles were typically easier for employers to fill. Today, both modalities are experiencing tighter labor markets and stronger demand than in previous years.
CT Remains the Strongest Market
The strongest and most consistent demand continues to be for CT Technologists. An aging population, combined with ongoing advances in CT technology, is driving sustained growth in CT utilization.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for CT technologists is projected to grow 13% between 2022 and 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. From our experience, this projection aligns closely with what we are seeing in the field.
Compensation Trends Across Imaging Modalities
RSG Health Services produces a Medical Imaging Compensation Review annually. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) also reports on compensation data as well. According to the ASRT, wages have increased across all major imaging disciplines. In its most recent report (August 2024), ASRT noted the following average salary increases:
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists: Up 20.2% ($88,576 → $106,475)
- Vascular Interventional Technologists: Up 13.6% ($83,934 → $95,317)
- Sonographers: Up 13.2% ($82,368 → $93,237)
- MRI Technologists: Up 12.5% ($82,395 → $92,729)
- CT Technologists: Up 12.3% ($78,159 → $87,785)
- Radiologic Technologists: Up 12.3% ($65,246 → $73,274)
- Mammography Technologists: Up 11.5% ($79,323 → $88,468)
Are Wage Increases Slowing?
While compensation has steadily increased, we believe the rapid wage growth seen over the past several years has likely peaked—for now. Two primary factors are contributing to this shift:
- Increased new graduate supply: Imaging programs are producing technologists and sonographers at higher rates than in recent years.
- Decline in temporary travel staffing: Many travel technologists are returning to permanent roles due to stagnant travel pay, road burnout, and rising housing costs.
Travel assignments can still be lucrative, but they are generally less profitable than they were between 2020 and 2024.
Final Thoughts
As we head into 2025, the medical imaging job market is stabilizing after years of disruption. While some modalities are experiencing reduced demand, others—particularly CT, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, and multi-modality roles—continue to offer strong opportunities for professionals seeking long-term, full-time careers.
If you’re considering a career move in medical imaging, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about modality, location, and timing.
If you would like representation on your job search, please reach out to one of our medical imaging recruiters at contact@rsghealth.com. We would be happy to assist.
