Radiologic Technologist Jobs in Columbus, OH
Radiologic technologists in Columbus earned a median of $38.56 an hour in 2025 federal wage data, and Ohio State Wexner has posted $15,000 sign-on bonuses to fill imaging roles. Here are the current openings, followed by who hires, what it pays and how Ohio Department of Health licensing works.
Current radiologic technologist Openings in Columbus, OH
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Radiologic Technologist Work in Columbus
Radiography work in Columbus is concentrated in the four big health systems and the VA. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center hires technologists for the main medical campus off W 10th Avenue and for Ohio State East Hospital on Taylor Avenue on the Near East Side, including operating room imaging roles. OhioHealth hires radiology technologists for its central Ohio hospitals and for physician offices such as its interventional spine practice on Lane Avenue near campus. Nationwide Children's Hospital runs pediatric radiology on its Near South Side campus and at outpatient sites such as Radiology East.
The VA Central Ohio Healthcare System hires diagnostic radiologic technologists for the Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center through USAJOBS. Demand shows in the hiring offers: Ohio State has advertised $15,000 sign-on bonuses for radiologic technologists at East Hospital and in the OR, and OhioHealth's career expos list imaging among the fields they recruit for.
Top Columbus Employers for Radiologic Technologists
These Columbus employers hire radiologic technologists for hospital, outpatient and federal imaging work:
- Ohio State Wexner Medical Center - hires radiologic technologists for the medical campus, Ohio State East Hospital and operating room imaging.
- OhioHealth - hires radiology technologists for its central Ohio hospitals and physician offices, including the Lane Avenue spine practice.
- Nationwide Children's Hospital - hires pediatric radiologic technologists for its main campus and outpatient radiology sites.
- VA Central Ohio Healthcare System - hires diagnostic radiologic technologists at the Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center on the federal GS scale.
Radiologic Technologist Salaries in Columbus
- Entry level: about $27 to $32 an hour for new graduates with ARRT registration.
- Experienced: roughly $33 to $42 an hour for technologists with a few years in hospital radiology.
- Senior / advanced: $44 to $48 or more an hour for lead technologists and those cross-trained in advanced modalities.
These are estimates. Federal wage data for the Columbus metro put the 2025 median at $38.56 an hour, the 10th percentile at $27.74 and the 90th at $48.42. The VA posted $72,509 to $94,269 a year for a GS-8 diagnostic radiologic technologist in 2025. Many hospital postings here list no base pay, and some advertise sign-on bonuses; shift, call coverage, OR work and added credentials in CT, MRI or mammography move pay the most.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist in Columbus
Ohio requires a state license. You graduate from an accredited radiography program, usually a two-year associate degree, pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) radiography exam, and then apply to the Ohio Department of Health for a radiographer license, which renews every two years. Columbus State Community College runs a JRCERT-accredited Radiography program at 389 N Grant Ave, a block west of its Columbus Campus. Employers such as Nationwide Children's ask for ARRT registration plus a valid Ohio radiographer license, and many add BLS or CPR certification. The Ohio Department of Health also licenses general X-ray machine operators, a narrower credential than a full radiographer license.
What the Job Involves
Radiologic technologists position patients and equipment to take diagnostic X-ray images, set exposure factors, protect patients and staff from unneeded radiation, and check image quality before sending studies to the radiologist. The work includes portable X-rays on inpatient floors and in the emergency department, imaging in surgery, contrast studies, and keeping accurate patient records in the imaging system.
Skills Employers Look For
- ARRT radiography registration and an Ohio Department of Health radiographer license
- BLS or CPR certification
- Patient positioning and radiation safety
- Portable and operating room imaging experience
- Calm, clear communication with patients of all ages
- Familiarity with PACS and imaging software
Career Path and Advancement
Most Columbus technologists start in general radiography at a hospital or outpatient site, then cross-train into CT, MRI, mammography, interventional radiology or the cardiac cath lab, each with its own ARRT post-primary credential. From there the path runs to lead technologist, student coordinator for the hospitals' training programs, and imaging supervisor or manager roles at Ohio State, OhioHealth or Nationwide Children's.
Related Careers in Columbus
If imaging work interests you, these related Columbus healthcare roles are close matches:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a radiologic technologist in Columbus?
Yes. Ohio requires a radiographer license from the Ohio Department of Health. You earn it by graduating from an accredited radiography program and passing the ARRT radiography exam, then submitting your ARRT credential to the state, and the license renews every two years.
How much do radiologic technologists make in Columbus?
The 2025 federal median for the Columbus metro was $38.56 an hour, or about $80,200 a year. Most technologists fall between about $27.74 and $48.42 an hour, and some hospitals here add sign-on bonuses.
How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist?
Most people complete a two-year associate degree program, such as Columbus State's JRCERT-accredited Radiography program, then sit for the ARRT exam. Federal employers such as the VA ask for a full-time program of at least 24 months.
Are there sign-on bonuses for X-ray techs in Columbus?
Yes. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center has posted $15,000 sign-on bonuses for radiologic technologists, including roles at Ohio State East Hospital and in the operating room. Bonus offers change often, so check each posting.
Can new graduates get hired as radiologic technologists in Columbus?
Some can. Ohio State lists prior radiographer experience as preferred rather than required on some postings, while Nationwide Children's asks for one year of clinical experience on some roles. Either way you need ARRT registration and an Ohio radiographer license before your first day.
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