Diagnostic Radiographer
Also advertised as: CT Radiographer, diagnostic imaging radiographer, diagnostic imaging radiology technologist, Diagnostic Radiographer, diagnostic radiography practitioner, diagnostic radiography technician
Produces X-rays, CT and MRI images used to diagnose illness and injury.
What the job involves
Radiographers position patients and operate imaging equipment to produce clear, accurate scans for doctors to interpret. The role mixes technical precision with patient reassurance, since many people are anxious or in pain during a scan. Rotations through A&E, theatres and outpatient imaging keep the work varied.
Typical responsibilities
- Position patients and operate imaging equipment
- Apply radiation protection principles
- Adjust technique for each patient's needs
- Maintain equipment and image quality checks
- Work with clinicians to prioritise urgent scans
Common employers
- NHS imaging departments
- Private diagnostic providers
- Mobile screening services
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£29,000 – £32,000 a year
With experience
£38,000 – £46,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours, often with an on-call rota for emergencies
Working environment
Hospital imaging suites
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Equipment operation
- Anatomy knowledge
- Patient handling
- Attention to detail
- Communication
Transferable skills you may already have
- Following technical protocols
- Working calmly with anxious people
- Teamwork under time pressure
Requirements employers ask for
- Equipment operation
- Anatomy knowledge
- Patient handling
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- BSc Diagnostic Radiography degree
- HCPC registration
- HCPC registration
- Enhanced DBS check
- post-process medical images
- interact with healthcare users
- human physiology
- determine medical images' diagnostic suitability
- apply medical imaging techniques
- radiobiology
- pharmaceutical products
- health care occupation-specific ethics
- work in multidisciplinary health teams
- determine patient's exposure factors
- ensure safety of healthcare users
- manage radiology information system
Useful but not essential
- Following technical protocols
- Working calmly with anxious people
- Teamwork under time pressure
- Experience in a hospital imaging department
- CT or MRI post-registration modules
- interpret medical images
- perform clinical research in radiography
- psychology
- report on radiological examinations
- conduct health related research
- perform ultrasound
- development trends in radiography
- interpret radiology examinations
Helpful qualifications
- Experience in a hospital imaging department
- CT or MRI post-registration modules
Licences and checks
- HCPC registration
- Enhanced DBS check
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Diagnostic Radiographer (Degree Apprenticeship)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Physics
- Related subject: Biology
- Related subject: Maths
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Radiographer
next
Advanced Practitioner Radiographer
next
Imaging Superintendent
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- High demand with a national shortage
- Technical, hands-on clinical role
- Apprenticeship route avoids student debt
What people find hard
- Radiation protection responsibilities add pressure
- On-call nights for trauma cases
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a diagnostic radiographer?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. required
- How much does a diagnostic radiographer earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £29,000 to £32,000 a year, rising towards £46,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Following technical protocols, Working calmly with anxious people, Teamwork under time pressure.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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