Radiology nurses earn in the range of $85,000–$105,000 per year for staff positions, with interventional radiology (IR) nurses commanding a meaningful premium above diagnostic radiology RNs due to higher acuity, sedation responsibilities, and call requirements. Travel IR nurses reach $2,000–$3,000+ per week on current contract rates, though these are aggregator-listed package figures rather than survey data. California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington top the state salary tables on the May 2025 BLS vintage; much of the South comes in below the national median. Note that the ordering shifted with that vintage – Oregon and Washington now sit clearly above Massachusetts and New York, reversing the Northeast-first ranking most salary content still asserts.
At a glance:
- BLS SOC 29-1141 (all RNs) national median: $97,550/year (about $46.90/hour) – May 2025 data; national mean $101,420
- Staff radiology RN estimated range: $85,000–$105,000 (Salary.com, ZipRecruiter, aggregated)
- IR nursing premium over diagnostic radiology: approximately $5,000–$15,000/year depending on acuity and call volume
- Travel IR RN rates: $2,000–$3,200/week estimated (varies by state and platform)
- Certification premium (CRN, from the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board): modest base effect; stronger impact on promotion eligibility and negotiating leverage
- Top-paying states for RNs: California ($140,270 BLS median), Hawaii ($136,320), Oregon ($129,010), Washington ($124,200)
| Role / setting | Estimated annual compensation |
|---|---|
| Entry-level radiology RN (diagnostic) | $75,000–$85,000 |
| Experienced staff radiology RN | $95,000–$112,000 |
| Interventional radiology (IR) RN – staff | $95,000–$115,000 |
| IR RN with CRN certification | $98,000–$118,000 |
| Lead / charge radiology RN | $100,000–$120,000 |
| Travel IR RN (estimated weekly packages) | $2,000–$3,200+/week |
| Device company clinical specialist (IR-experienced) | $90,000–$120,000 base + bonus |
Understanding the data sources
A key limitation in radiology nursing salary data: the Bureau of Labor Statistics SOC code 29-1141 covers all registered nurses under a single classification. It does not separate radiology nurses, IR nurses, ICU nurses, or any other specialty. Every radiology-specific salary figure published by Salary.com, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, or Indeed is derived from job posting data, employer surveys, or self-reported compensation – not a government survey of radiology nursing jobs specifically.
This matters for reading the numbers:
- BLS OEWS data (used for the state salary table below) is the most statistically rigorous source with the largest sample size, but it covers all RNs – not radiology nurses specifically. It provides a geographic baseline.
- Salary.com draws on employer-submitted compensation data and tends to reflect base salary conservatively.
- ZipRecruiter / Glassdoor / Indeed aggregate job posting data and self-reported figures; these often trend higher because they include total compensation, differential pay, and responses from higher-earning nurses.
- Travel nursing platforms (Vivian Health) post actual weekly package rates for active contracts – the most real-time data available for travel compensation.
For this guide, BLS May 2025 state data is used for geographic benchmarking (largest sample, most reliable relative rankings). Specialty estimates are drawn from aggregated sources with methodology noted.
National salary overview
The BLS May 2025 national median for all registered nurses was $97,550/year (about $46.90/hour), against a national mean of $101,420. This is the broadest benchmark – it includes every RN specialty from med-surg to CRNA (though CRNAs are separately classified).
For radiology-specific estimates, the available aggregated data points:
| Source | Estimated annual figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BLS SOC 29-1141 national median (May 2025) | $97,550 / $46.90/hr | All RNs; largest sample size. National mean $101,420 |
| Salary.com radiology nurse (2026) | ~$90,000–$98,000 | Employer-sourced; base salary focus |
| ZipRecruiter radiology nurse (2026) | ~$95,000–$110,000 | Aggregated postings; includes total comp |
| Glassdoor radiology nurse (2026) | ~$88,000–$105,000 | Self-reported; variable quality |
| IR nurse premium estimate (vs. diagnostic) | +$5,000–$15,000/yr | Reflects sedation responsibility, call, acuity |
The IR premium is not formalized in salary surveys – radiology and IR nurses may share a job title in hospital HR systems – but it shows up in two ways: higher-paying job postings that require ACLS and sedation experience, and negotiating leverage for nurses who come from ICU or cath lab backgrounds with documented sedation competency.
Salary by state
The table below uses BLS OEWS May 2025 data (SOC 29-1141, Registered Nurses) as the geographic benchmark. These are median annual wages, not means – the two are routinely confused in salary content, and the national mean sits about $3,900 above the national median. These figures cover all RNs in each state – they are the most reliable available proxy for radiology nurse pay by geography, as specialty-specific state data is not published by BLS.
| State | Annual median (BLS May 2025) | Hourly median |
|---|---|---|
| California | $140,270 | $67.44 |
| Massachusetts | $104,550 | $50.26 |
| District of Columbia | $102,540 | $49.30 |
| Washington | $124,200 | $59.71 |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | $65.54 |
| Oregon | $129,010 | $62.02 |
| Alaska | $109,480 | $52.63 |
| New York | $109,440 | $52.62 |
| Connecticut | $102,740 | $49.39 |
| New Jersey | $106,500 | $51.20 |
| Minnesota | $101,510 | $48.80 |
| Nevada | $103,670 | $49.84 |
| Colorado | $100,260 | $48.20 |
| Illinois | $95,990 | $46.15 |
| Arizona | $99,500 | $47.84 |
| Texas | $95,970 | $46.14 |
| Virginia | $93,600 | $45.00 |
| Maryland | $99,790 | $47.98 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,430 | $46.36 |
| Michigan | $94,300 | $45.34 |
| Ohio | $82,510 | $39.67 |
| Georgia | $93,550 | $44.98 |
| North Carolina | $84,350 | $40.55 |
| Florida | $84,190 | $40.48 |
| Tennessee | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Indiana | $83,500 | $40.14 |
| Missouri | $81,780 | $39.32 |
| South Carolina | $82,360 | $39.60 |
| Alabama | $77,080 | $37.06 |
| Mississippi | $77,090 | $37.06 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 29-1141 (Registered Nurses), May 2025 median annual wages. Hourly figures are the annual median divided by 2,080 hours. Figures cover all RN specialties. Radiology and IR nurses at large urban health systems in each state typically earn above these medians due to specialty demand.
Why California stands out: California’s RN median ($140,270) far exceeds the national median ($97,550) – a reflection of both cost of living and strong union negotiating power through SEIU and the California Nurses Association. California’s minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, set in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations section 70217, also support wage floors across specialties. California is no longer the only state with ratio legislation – Oregon’s HB 2697 (2023) phased in enforceable ratios from June 2024 – but its regime remains the longest-established and the most comprehensive across unit types.
Texas vs. coastal states: Texas ($95,970) sits below states like New York and Washington despite its large hospital market and high volume of imaging procedures. No state income tax effectively raises Texas take-home pay by 5–9% compared to high-tax states – a real consideration when comparing nominal salary figures across markets.
Salary by experience and specialization
Experience produces modest base salary gains in radiology nursing when measured at the specialty level. The more meaningful pay variables are geography, facility type (academic vs. community vs. outpatient), union status, and the sedation and call responsibilities that come with IR work.
| Category | Estimated annual range | Key drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level radiology RN (0–2 years) | $75,000–$88,000 | Geography, union status, outpatient vs. hospital |
| Mid-level radiology RN (2–5 years) | $84,000–$98,000 | Experience step increases, certification eligibility |
| Senior radiology RN (5+ years) | $92,000–$108,000 | Lead/charge eligibility, high-cost state markets |
| Diagnostic radiology RN (experienced) | $92,000–$108,000 | Lower acuity, typically no call premium |
| Interventional radiology RN (experienced) | $95,000–$115,000 | Sedation responsibility, call pay, ICU background premium |
| Travel radiology/IR RN | $2,000–$3,200+/week | Location, platform, contract terms |
The IR premium reflects genuine differences in clinical responsibility. IR nurses manage moderate sedation throughout procedures, respond to hemodynamic events in a suite without ICU-level backup, and carry overnight call at high-volume centers. This profile resembles cath lab nursing more closely than it resembles floor nursing – and the compensation reflects that.
Salary by work setting
Where you work affects your pay, schedule, and total compensation structure significantly:
| Setting | Pay level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large academic medical center (IR suite) | Highest base + call pay | Complex oncology IR, vascular, trauma – highest acuity and earnings potential |
| Regional hospital radiology department | Moderate to high base | Mix of diagnostic and IR; call may or may not apply |
| Community hospital (diagnostic focus) | Moderate base | Lower acuity, often no IR call requirement |
| Outpatient imaging center | Moderate; lower ceiling | Predictable hours, no overnight call – offset by lower base |
| Ambulatory surgery center (IR procedures) | Moderate to high | Growing segment; competitive base but fewer benefits |
| Travel contract (hospital IR) | Highest gross pay | No employer benefits; 13-week contracts; IR-specific call terms negotiated |
Call pay in IR: As with cardiac cath lab nursing, interventional radiology nurses at hospitals with active overnight IR programs carry mandatory call. Call stipend rates typically run $3–$6/hour on standby; callback pay at time-and-a-half when activated. High-volume IR centers (trauma centers, large cancer centers with active oncologic IR programs, vascular surgery programs) can generate $10,000–$20,000 in annual call-related earnings above base salary – income that doesn’t appear in most published salary figures.
How to increase your radiology nurse salary
Specialize in interventional radiology
The IR premium is real. Diagnostic radiology nursing is a lower-acuity position; IR nursing requires sedation management, procedural acuity, and call coverage that hospital HR systems – and hiring managers – price accordingly. Nurses with ICU or cath lab backgrounds who transition to IR typically enter at a higher band than nurses coming from med-surg or step-down.
For the clearest path to IR, see our guide to how to become an ICU nurse or how to become a CVICU nurse – both provide the sedation and hemodynamic monitoring background that IR nursing managers value.
Pursue specialty certification
Get the credential name right before you plan around it, because this specialty’s certification landscape is widely misdescribed. The specialty credential for radiology and imaging nurses is the Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN), awarded by the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board (RNCB), an independent board whose program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification. It is not an ANCC credential – ANCC does not offer a radiologic nursing certification, and “RN-BC” is a general ANCC board-certified styling rather than a radiology credential. The Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN) is the specialty’s professional society and its members receive a discounted exam fee, but ARIN does not itself issue the certification. CVRN is a separate cardiovascular credential from a different body entirely and has nothing to do with imaging nursing.
Verified CRN requirements, from RNCB’s own certification guidelines:
- An active RN license
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of radiology nursing practice within the past 3 years
- 30 contact hours of continuing education applicable to the nursing care of radiology patients within the 24 months before sitting the exam, of which at least 15 must be radiology-specific
Initial certification is valid for 4 years. The exam fee is $325 for ARIN members and $425 for non-members (each inclusive of a $25 application fee), with a $180 re-examination fee. Recertification uses a 4-year practice window for the same 2,000-hour requirement.
The salary effect has two parts. The tangible one: some hospital systems offer certification differentials of roughly $1–$3/hour added to base. The intangible one: certification signals seniority, unlocks eligibility for lead and charge roles that carry pay premiums, and strengthens negotiating position at hire and during performance reviews. Because the hours requirement rules out new entrants, the strategic window to pursue the CRN is typically your second to fourth year in the specialty.
Pursue ACLS and additional procedure-specific competencies
ACLS is required for IR positions but strengthens your position for salary negotiation when you also bring documented moderate sedation competency, fluoroscopy safety certification, and specific procedure experience (embolization, complex ablation, thrombolysis). These competencies are harder to hire for than standard nursing skills, and managers know it.
Consider travel IR nursing
Travel IR nursing is the clearest path to peak earnings in this specialty. Weekly packages for IR nurses are competitive with cath lab travel rates – IR nurses with sedation competency and independent procedure experience are in consistent demand at hospitals managing staffing gaps. Travel contracts typically run 13 weeks with housing stipend, travel reimbursement, and the weekly package rate.
The tradeoffs: no employer-funded health insurance, no paid time off, no retirement match from the contract agency, and geographic instability. Nurses who travel for 2–3 years and then return to a staff position typically negotiate above-average base salaries because of the breadth of IR experience they accumulate.
Radiology nurse vs. similar specialties: salary comparison
| Specialty | Estimated staff annual range | Call required? | Sedation? | Background preferred |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiology RN (diagnostic) | $92,000–$108,000 | Rarely | Minimal | Bedside, ED |
| Interventional radiology RN | $95,000–$115,000 | Usually | Yes – moderate sedation | ICU, cath lab, ED |
| Cardiac cath lab RN | $93,000–$108,000 | Yes – STEMI call | Yes – moderate sedation | Cardiac ICU, step-down |
| EP lab RN | $90,000–$115,000 | Sometimes | Yes – moderate/deep | Cardiac ICU, cath lab |
| CVICU RN | $90,000–$110,000 | Usually | Yes – critical care drips | ICU experience |
| OR RN | $85,000–$105,000 | Often | PACU recovery focus | Perioperative training |
Radiology and IR nursing sit in the middle of the procedural specialty compensation range. Cath lab nursing – particularly at high-volume cardiac centers with frequent overnight STEMI callbacks – can produce total compensation above IR nursing when call pay is included. The comparison depends heavily on call volume at a specific facility.
For details on cath lab salary data, see cardiac cath lab nurse salary. For EP lab nurse salary and CVICU nurse salary, see those dedicated guides.
Travel nursing rates for interventional radiology nurses
Travel IR nursing is driven by a structural staffing gap: IR is a specialty that requires years of sedation and procedural experience, and hospitals that lose IR nurses to other facilities or retirement struggle to hire into the gap. This creates premium contract rates for nurses who can credibly document IR competency and arrive ready to practice with minimal orientation.
Estimated travel IR RN weekly packages (2026):
| Market tier | Estimated weekly package | Annualized (50 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| National average (IR-specific estimate) | $2,100–$2,600/week | $105,000–$130,000 |
| High-demand states (CA, NY, MA, WA) | $2,600–$3,200/week | $130,000–$160,000 |
| Peak demand / crisis contracts | $3,000–$3,800+/week | $150,000–$190,000+ |
These are estimated ranges based on reported travel cath lab and interventional nursing rates across major travel nursing platforms. IR-specific rates are not separately published by BLS; figures are aggregated from Vivian Health, Aya Healthcare, and Trusted Health listings and should be verified on current platforms before making career decisions based on them.
What travel IR packages typically include:
- Weekly taxable hourly rate ($25–$45/hour depending on contract structure)
- Non-taxed stipends for housing and meals (the bulk of the package at qualifying locations)
- Travel reimbursement for start and end of contract
- Some agency benefits packages (varies by agency)
The reported weekly total is the all-in package. After subtracting housing costs in high-cost markets, the net advantage over a staff position shrinks – but typically remains positive for nurses willing to relocate.
FAQs
What is the starting salary for a new radiology nurse? Entry-level radiology nursing positions in diagnostic imaging typically start in the $75,000–$85,000 range for most US markets outside California and the Northeast. Hospitals in California and Massachusetts start above $90,000 for new grad RNs in most settings due to union floor rates and state labor market dynamics. Interventional radiology nursing is not typically a new-graduate entry point – most IR positions require 1–2 years of prior experience.
Do radiology nurses earn more than med-surg nurses? In most markets, yes – experienced radiology and IR nurses earn above the general RN median. The specialty premium reflects the acuity of IR work, sedation responsibilities, and call coverage requirements. Diagnostic radiology nursing without call may be closer to the general RN median. The BLS May 2025 national RN median is $97,550; experienced IR nurses at mid-sized hospitals typically earn $98,000–$118,000 before call pay.
Does IR nursing pay more than diagnostic radiology nursing? Yes, in most settings. IR nurses manage moderate sedation, carry overnight call at high-volume centers, and handle higher-acuity procedural events. This responsibility profile commands a premium – estimated at $5,000–$15,000 per year above a comparable diagnostic radiology RN position in the same facility.
What certification has the most impact on radiology nurse salary? The Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN), awarded by the Radiologic Nursing Certification Board, is the specialty credential for radiology and imaging nurses – including those in interventional radiology. It is often misattributed to ANCC or to ARIN; ANCC does not offer a radiologic nursing certification, and ARIN is the professional society whose members receive a discounted exam fee rather than the awarding body. The CRN requires 2,000 hours of radiology nursing practice within the past 3 years plus 30 contact hours of relevant continuing education. It improves eligibility for lead and senior roles that pay above staff RN rates, and some hospital systems offer direct certification pay differentials of $1–$3/hour. Its salary impact is most visible in promotion eligibility rather than immediate base pay change.
Is travel radiology nursing worth it financially? The gross weekly package for travel IR nursing is significantly above staff base salary in most markets. Whether it’s worth it depends on your total compensation comparison: staff positions typically include employer health insurance, retirement match, paid time off, and professional development funding – benefits worth $8,000–$18,000 per year that most travel contracts don’t provide. Nurses who travel aggressively for 2–3 years and negotiate a strong staff position on return often come out ahead on lifetime earnings.
How does radiology nurse salary compare in rural vs. urban settings? Urban and suburban hospitals – particularly large academic and regional medical centers – pay significantly more than rural facilities for radiology nursing. Rural positions occasionally include rural differential pay, loan forgiveness programs, or housing assistance that narrows the gap. Travel contracts to rural facilities can command crisis rates that exceed urban markets during shortage periods, but these are temporary.
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 29-1141 (Registered Nurses), May 2025 data; Salary.com radiology nurse compensation data (2026); ZipRecruiter radiology nurse salary aggregate (2026); Vivian Health travel nursing marketplace (2026 rates). BLS does not publish radiology-specific RN salary data – specialty ranges in this guide reflect aggregated estimates from job posting databases and compensation surveys. Verify all figures at current sources before making career decisions.
For the full career guide – certifications, education path, and step-by-step instructions – see how to become a radiology nurse.
References
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: 29-1141 Registered Nurses,” May 2025 estimates (national median $97,550; national mean $101,420; state median annual wages), released 2026.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses,” employment projections 2024–2034 (5% growth; approximately 189,100 openings per year).
- ONET OnLine, “Summary Report for 29-1141.00 – Registered Nurses,” National Center for ONET Development, 2026 (national and state wage percentiles mirroring the BLS OEWS May 2025 release).
- Radiologic Nursing Certification Board, “Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) Guidelines for Certification and Recertification,” RNCB (eligibility: 2,000 hours of radiology nursing practice within 3 years, 30 contact hours of continuing education, 4-year certification period).
- Radiologic Nursing Certification Board, “CRN Certification: Fees and Application Requirements,” certifiedradiologynurse.org, 2026.
- Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing, “How to Certify,” arinursing.org (ARIN member exam discount; RNCB as the awarding body).
- American Nurses Credentialing Center, certification catalogue, nursingworld.org (confirming that ANCC does not offer a radiologic nursing certification and that Cardiac-Vascular Nursing, CV-BC, is a distinct cardiovascular credential).
- California Code of Regulations, Title 22, section 70217, “Nursing Service Staff,” licensed nurse-to-patient ratios by unit type.
- Oregon Legislative Assembly, House Bill 2697 (2023), and Oregon Health Authority, “House Bill 2697 Hospital Staffing Law Frequently Asked Questions” (ratios effective 1 June 2024, with the adult medical-surgical ratio tightening to 1:4 on 1 June 2026).
- Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing, “Clinical Practice Guideline: Moderate Sedation and Analgesia,” ARIN (ACLS/PALS and airway management competency expectations for nurses administering moderate sedation in the imaging environment).
- Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing, “Position Statement: Nurse Staffing in Interventional Radiology,” 28 October 2018.
- Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing, “Position Statement: Use of Capnography for Patients Who Receive Moderate Sedation/Analgesia,” January 2016, updated November 2018.