How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Texas
Radiologic technologists (radiographers, or X-ray techs) take diagnostic images. Most Texas programs are two-year associate degrees or hospital certificates and lead to the ARRT certification exam and a Texas Medical Board license.
Step 1: Finish an Accredited Program
Texas has 39 accredited radiography programs: 33 associate degrees, 4 certificates, 1 bachelor's degree, 1 master's degree. The median program runs about 24 months. Of the 15 that publish a total cost, prices run from $4,736 (Tarrant County College, Trinity River East) to $54,361 (UT Health San Antonio). 2
Highest reported ARRT exam rates among larger programs: Howard College, San Angelo (100%), Lone Star College, CyFair (98.0%) and Lone Star College, Montgomery (98.0%).
Compare every Texas radiography program, or by area: Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Corpus Christi.
Step 2: Pass the ARRT Exam
The median Texas program reports a 92.6% rate (29 programs reporting), but results range from 61.9% to 100%. Graduates who passed the ARRT radiography exam on the first attempt within six months of graduating, divided by those who took it. JRCERT requires programs to report a five-year average and sets a 75% benchmark. JRCERT expects at least 75.0%: the 75% five-year benchmark JRCERT sets for accredited programs.
Step 3: Get Credentialed
Texas requires a Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT) certificate from the Texas Medical Board to take x-ray images. New radiography graduates usually qualify by passing the ARRT radiography exam.
| Step | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply to ARRT through the primary eligibility pathway and pass the radiography exam.3 | $225 |
| Apply online to the TMB for the general MRT certificate and pass the Texas jurisprudence exam.4 | $130 |
| Have the program send a certified transcript and submit fingerprints for the criminal history check.5 | Not published |
| Optional: request a temporary MRT certificate (one year, not renewable) while the full certificate is pending.6 | $80not counted |
Typical fees to start working: $355. Counts the ARRT application ($225) and the Texas Medical Board application ($130). Fingerprinting and small board surcharges are extra; the board does not list their amounts. The Texas MRT certificate renews every 24 months for $94 online and requires 24 hours of CE per period (up to 12 self-study); ARRT separately requires annual renewal ($65) and 24 Category A or A+ CE credits every two years.
Jobs and Pay Across Texas
About 20,250 radiologic technologists work in Texas. The middle half earn between $63,210 and $93,830 a year; new graduates usually start toward the lower end. Texas expects about 1,390 openings a year statewide through 2034, from new positions, retirements and people changing jobs, with the number of jobs growing 17.7% (from 18,990 to 22,360).
What Radiologic Technologists Earn by Area
The Texas median is $78,630 a year. 1 Pay is highest around Austin ($83,870), Dallas ($83,140), Houston ($80,780) and lowest around Wichita Falls ($61,250) and Rio Grande Valley ($59,870). At the median program cost, setting aside 10% of the Texas median wage pays the program back in about 1.2 years.
Sources and Dates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (29-2034), May 2025 estimates.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), checked Nov. 2026.
- ARRT Fees, No effective date on page; checked Nov 2026.
- TMB Medical Radiologic Technologist Certificate Application, checked Nov 2026.
- TMB Submit Fingerprints, checked Nov 2026.
- TMB Medical Radiologic Technologist Certificate Application, checked Nov 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas and metro areas (employment and wage percentiles), May 2025 estimates.
- Texas Workforce Commission, long-term occupational projections, 2024 to 2034.
Every number was checked against its source on Nov. 4, 2026. Spot an error? Report it. Program Outcomes is independent and not affiliated with any school or JRCERT. Our independence policy