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Radiologic Technologist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for radiologic technologist in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Radiologic Technologist in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Submission of required application form, non-refundable application fee and (2) Diploma or certificate from CDPH-RHB-approved California Radiologic Technology School or evidence of current ARRT certification in either radiography or radiation therapy.

    • EXAMINATIONS CDPH-RHB approved examinations are required for all applicants.
    • For the Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Mammographic CRT, evidence of successful passing of the ARRT examination in the applicable subject category will be accepted in lieu of the required examination.
    • All applicants must take the Fluoroscopy examination.
    • Examinations are administered by ARRT on behalf of CDPH-RHB.
    • ARRT determines examination fees.
    • PearsonVue Testing Centers are located throughout the United States.
    • SPECIAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS CRT authorization is valid only under the supervision of an X-ray Supervisor and Operator.
    • Fluoroscopy Permit requires an active Diagnostic CRT.
    • Mammographic CRT requires an active Diagnostic CRT.
    • REGULATORY AUTHORITY California Code of Regulations, Title 17 (17 CCR), sections 30440-30455.
    • Health and Safety Code (HSC) sections 106955-107111.
  2. 2

    Education: Varies by state board.

  3. 3

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Application Fee: $112.00 per category.

  5. 5

    Renewal Fee: $ 104.00 per category (two-year renewal period).

  6. 6

    Examination Fee: Determined by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

  7. 7

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.

  8. 8

    (1) Submission of required application form, non-refundable application fee and (2) Diploma or certificate from CDPH-RHB-approved California Radiologic Technology School or evidence of current ARRT certification in either radiography or radiation therapy.

  9. 9

    For the Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Mammographic CRT, evidence of successful passing of the ARRT examination in the applicable subject category will be accepted in lieu of the required examination.

Exam and processing details

  • passing of the ARRT examination in the applicable subject category will be accepted in lieu of the required examination

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) certificates and permits are issued by the California Department of Public Health-Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) to non-licentiates of th

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Public Health • Radiologic Health Branch • Registration and Certification Section

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $107,670 median (39% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Radiologic Technologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: passing of the ARRT examination in the applicable subject category will be accepted in lieu of the required examination.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Submission of required application form, non-refundable application fee and (2) Diploma or certificate from CDPH-RHB-approved California...; Application Fee: $112.00 per category.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Radiologic Health Branch~Registration and Certification Section and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $107,670, Radiologic Technologists in California earn 39% above the national median of $77,660. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$107,670

Hourly estimate

$51.76
39% above national median

Difference: +$30,010

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,300
  • P2525th percentile$84,260
  • P50Median$107,670
  • P7575th percentile$133,840
  • P9090th percentile$164,550

State vs National Median

State: $107,670
National: $77,660

Total employment: 19,550 | Annual openings: N/A

Radiologic Technologist Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Radiologic Technologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$107,670
#2Massachusetts$99,910
#3Hawaii$99,670
#4Oregon$99,530
#5Washington$93,920

Nearby States Comparison

Radiologic Technologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$107,670Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$99,530Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$88,120Degree requiredNo exam required1-3 years
Arizona$84,480Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Public Health • Radiologic Health Branch • Registration and Certification Section

P.O. Box 997414, Mail station 7610, Sacramento, CA, 95899-7414

Phone: 9163275106

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Radiologic Technologist in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Radiologic Technologist salary in California?

The median annual salary for Radiologic Technologists in California is $107,670. Salaries range from $63,300 (10th percentile) to $164,550 (90th percentile).

How does the Radiologic Technologist salary in California compare to the national average?

Radiologic Technologists in California earn 39% above the national median of $77,660, with a state median of $107,670.

How many Radiologic Technologists work in California?

California employs approximately 19,550 Radiologic Technologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Radiologic Technologist license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Radiologic Technologists in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Radiologic Health Branch / Registration and Certification Section. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/RHB.aspx.

How often do you renew a Radiologic Technologist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.