Salary data is based on the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area and applied to Cambridge using local cost-of-living adjustments.

Radiologic Technologists And Technicians Salaries in Cambridge, MA

Average Base Pay

$101,800/yr

23% above national average

Monthly

$8,483

Hourly

$49

Cost Index

152

Radiologic Technologists And Technicians in Cambridge, MA earn an average of $101,800 per year, with most salaries falling between $81,440 and $122,160 depending on experience, employer, and specialization. At 23% above the national average, Cambridge ranks among the higher-paying markets for this role, in part reflecting a local cost of living index of 152. For professionals evaluating a move or negotiating an offer, the headline salary is only part of the picture—what matters most is how far that income actually goes once taxes, rent, and daily expenses are factored in. The sections below break that down in full for Cambridge.

Salary Range

The chart below shows the full compensation spectrum for this role, from entry-level to senior positions. The highlighted center bars represent the 25th–75th percentile band where most professionals are paid.

$76K
Low

$102K
Median

$127K
High

25th percentile: $87K75th percentile: $117K

About Radiologic Technologists And Technicians

Radiologic Technologists (also called radiographers) perform diagnostic imaging examinations using X-ray technology to produce images that physicians use to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. They position patients correctly to capture the necessary anatomical views, select technical parameters including kVp and mAs to optimize image quality and minimize radiation dose, and operate digital radiography and fluoroscopy equipment. Radiologic technologists work in hospital radiology departments, outpatient imaging centers, orthopedic clinics, emergency departments, and surgical suites. They must apply radiation safety principles rigorously—protecting patients, themselves, and bystanders from unnecessary exposure through proper shielding, collimation, and technique selection. Many radiologic technologists specialize in additional modalities: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, bone densitometry, or cardiac catheterization. CT technologists operate helical scanners that produce cross-sectional images of the body; MRI technologists work with powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses. Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and state licensure are standard requirements.

What Radiologic Technologists And Technicians Do

Position patients and perform diagnostic X-ray examinations
Select technical factors to optimize image quality and minimize radiation dose
Operate digital radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, or MRI equipment
Apply radiation protection principles to protect patients and personnel
Verify patient identity and imaging orders before proceeding
Prepare patients by explaining the procedure and addressing concerns
Evaluate image quality and repeat exposures when necessary
Maintain imaging equipment and document QC procedures

Key Skills & Qualifications

Radiographic positioning and anatomy
Digital radiography and PACS systems
Radiation protection principles and dosimetry
CT or MRI technique (for advanced modalities)
Patient communication and care
ARRT certification in radiography and applicable specialties
State radiologic technology licensure
BLS certification

Career Path

Student Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologist
Specialty-Certified RT (CT, MRI, Mammography)
Lead RT / Radiology Supervisor
Director of Radiology

Radiologic Technologists And Technicians Market in Cambridge, MA

Salary Competitiveness

Cambridge is one of the stronger-paying markets for Radiologic Technologists And Technicians, with local salaries running approximately 23% above the national median. This premium typically reflects a combination of higher employer competition, concentrated industry presence, and elevated cost expectations built into local compensation norms.

Cost of Living Impact

The cost of living in Cambridge is well above the national average, and essential monthly expenses consume roughly 66% of take-home pay for this role. That compression means a higher gross salary buys less financial breathing room than the headline number suggests—particularly for housing, which tends to dominate the budget in high-cost markets.

Effective Purchasing Power

The purchasing power of $101,800 for a Radiologic Technologists And Technicians in Cambridge is moderate: enough to meet essential expenses and build incremental savings, but requiring deliberate budgeting to avoid margin erosion—especially as rent and healthcare costs have outpaced wage growth across many mid-tier markets.

vs. National Avg

+23%

Cost Pressure

66%

Purchasing Power

Moderate

Take-Home Pay Calculator

Enter any gross salary to see how federal and state taxes affect your actual take-home pay, broken down by year, month, and week. Results use an estimated effective tax rate of 27% based on this location and income level.

Annual Salary

Take-home (73%)Taxes (27%)

Annual Net

$74,314

Monthly

$6,193

Weekly

$1,429

Eff. Tax Rate

27%

A gross salary of $101,800 for a Radiologic Technologists And Technicians in Cambridge translates to roughly $6,193 in monthly take-home pay after estimated federal and state taxes. Set against monthly living costs of $4,093—covering housing, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare—that leaves approximately $2,100 per month in disposable income. That margin, not the gross number, is what determines whether you can comfortably cover rent, build savings, and afford discretionary spending in Cambridge's current market.

How far does this salary go in Cambridge?

Cost of Living in Cambridge

Estimated monthly expenses for a single person in Cambridge, benchmarked against US regional price indices for housing, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare.

Cost Index

152

High — US average is 100. Based on a single person (1-bed apartment).

🏠Housing / Rent$2,650/mo

🍔Food & Groceries$650/mo

🚗Transportation$160/mo

💡Utilities$225/mo

🏥Healthcare$408/mo

Monthly$4,093

Annual$49,116

Disposable Income$2,100

Financial Reality Check

This section compares estimated monthly take-home pay against typical living costs in Cambridge to show your real disposable income—the amount remaining after essential bills are paid each month.

Monthly Take-Home

$6,193

Living Costs

$4,093

Disposable

$2,100

Cost Index

152

Lifestyle

Moderate

With a monthly take-home of $6,193, your estimated living costs in Cambridge are $4,093 ($49,116/yr). This leaves $2,100 per month in disposable income, indicating a moderate standard of living. Cambridge's cost of living is 52% above the national average.

Overall, a Radiologic Technologists And Technicians earning $101,800 in Cambridge falls into a moderate lifestyle tier and can cover essentials and hit modest savings goals, though discretionary spending warrants careful planning. With a cost index of 152, Cambridge is 52% more expensive than the national average, which compresses real purchasing power. Regardless of tier, prioritizing retirement contributions, an emergency fund of three to six months' expenses, and incremental debt reduction will yield the greatest long-term financial stability—especially as living costs in Cambridge continue to evolve.