As healthcare organizations navigate workforce shortages across clinical roles, one segment is seeing strong growth: imaging tech travelers. Despite an overall contraction in the allied health staffing market, CT and MRI techs are in high demand across the country—particularly in diagnostic-heavy regions and underserved rural areas.
At HWL, we’re tracking the shifts in supply, demand, and compensation—helping clients proactively plan for the imaging workforce needs of 2025 and beyond.
Several factors are converging to drive this surge in demand for CT and MRI techs:
An aging population with chronic conditions that require ongoing diagnostic imaging
Increased use of CT and MRI in trauma and emergency care, driving 24/7 staffing needs
Imaging as a revenue-generating service line, critical to hospital financial performance
Facilities are prioritizing imaging coverage not only to support patient care, but to protect one of their most profitable clinical departments.
High-demand states for CT techs: Florida, Arizona, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania
MRI demand hotspots: Academic medical centers and orthopedic/neuro imaging centers in California, New York, and Illinois
Rural and critical access hospitals are increasingly relying on contingent labor to fill persistent imaging gaps
Average Travel Pay & Bill Rates:
CT Tech Pay Rate: $85–$95/hour
CT Tech Bill Rate: $130–$150/hour
MRI Tech Pay Rate: $90–$105/hour
MRI Tech Bill Rate: $140–$160/hour
Premium assignments can offer $100+/hour to attract experienced techs
Hospitals and health systems competing for a limited pool of skilled techs are finding success with:
Faster credentialing: ARRT certification and state-specific licenses can delay onboarding—streamlining this process is essential
Modern technology: Facilities with updated imaging equipment and PACS systems are more attractive to experienced travelers
Shift flexibility: Offering 4x10s, weekends, or night shifts can appeal to techs seeking better work-life balance
Housing and support: Assistance with relocation, travel, or stipends continues to be a major draw
At HWL, we support healthcare organizations with tailored workforce solutions that align with both clinical and operational goals. From pay benchmarking to VMS technology and turnkey vendor management, our team delivers the tools and expertise needed to secure high-quality imaging talent.
Need help staffing your imaging departments for 2025? Let’s build a smarter, scalable strategy together.