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SOC 2217 Health professionals

Medical radiographers Salary

Median salary £44,324 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Medical radiographers use specialist imaging equipment — including X-rays, CT scanners, MRI machines and ultrasound — to produce diagnostic images that help clinicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. They ensure patient safety, image quality and radiation dose optimisation.

Key responsibilities

  • Operating diagnostic imaging equipment to produce clinical images
  • Positioning patients safely and comfortably for imaging procedures
  • Ensuring radiation doses are kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)
  • Assessing image quality and determining need for repeat examinations
  • Maintaining imaging equipment and following safety protocols

Qualifications and entry routes

Requires a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography approved by the HCPC. Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council is mandatory. Specialist postgraduate training enables reporting and advanced practice roles.

Career outlook

Significant workforce shortages with vacancies across the NHS. Advanced practice roles (reporting radiographers) are expanding career pathways and improving retention.

Key skills

Imaging technology Patient positioning and care Radiation safety Anatomy knowledge Attention to detail

Common industries

  • NHS hospitals
  • Private hospitals and clinics
  • Mobile imaging services
  • Breast screening services
  • Veterinary imaging

Data coverage

SOC code 2217
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2015–2025
Estimated jobs 45,000

Median Salary

£44,324

Mean Salary

£43,386

Jobs (000s)

45k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £34,077Median: £44,324P75: £53,019
P10: £26kP25: £34kMedian: £44kP75: £53kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£26,085

0-2 years

Mid Level

£34,077

3-7 years

Senior

£53,019

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +103% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +43.4%Real growth: +3.8%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 22.9%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£44,324

Full-time Only

£48,439

Full-time premium: +£4,115