What is the average radiographer salary in Canada?

The average radiographer (medical radiation technologist) salary in Canada is $70,000-$90,000 for a mid-career MRT working in general radiography (X-ray). CT technologists earn $78,000-$100,000, MRI technologists earn $82,000-$105,000, and radiation therapists earn $80,000-$108,000. With overtime, shift premiums, and on-call pay, total compensation can be $85,000-$120,000+.

What type of radiographer makes the most money in Canada?

The highest-paid medical imaging professionals in Canada are MRI technologists ($82,000-$105,000), radiation therapists ($80,000-$108,000), and interventional radiology technologists ($85,000-$110,000). Nuclear medicine technologists also earn well at $80,000-$105,000. Within any modality, working in a leadership or educator role, taking on-call shifts, or working in remote/northern locations increases pay significantly.

How do you become a radiographer in Canada?

To become a medical radiation technologist (MRT) in Canada, you need a 2-3 year college diploma or 4-year university degree in medical radiation technology from a CAMRT-accredited program. After graduation, you must pass the CAMRT national certification exam and register with your provincial regulatory body. Additional modality training (CT, MRI, mammography) can be completed through post-graduate certificates.

Is there a shortage of radiographers in Canada?

Yes, Canada faces a significant shortage of medical radiation technologists. Wait times for diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI) are among the top healthcare access issues. Many provinces are actively recruiting MRTs, offering signing bonuses, relocation allowances, and expanded training positions. The shortage is most acute in rural and northern communities. Retirement of experienced technologists and growing imaging volumes are driving sustained demand.

How Much Do Radiographers Make in Canada 2026 | Medical Imaging Salaries

Medical radiation technologists (MRTs), commonly called radiographers, are among the most in-demand healthcare professionals in Canada. They operate the imaging equipment — X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy — that physicians depend on for diagnosis. The field offers solid pay, high job security, and clear paths for specialization. Unlike many healthcare professions, radiography allows you to increase your earning power significantly by adding modality certifications (CT, MRI, mammography, interventional) without returning to school for years. Most MRTs work in hospital settings with union wages, shift premiums, weekend differentials, and on-call pay that add 10-20% above base salary.

Radiographer Salary by Experience

Level	General Radiography	CT Technologist	MRI Technologist
New graduate (0-2 years)	$58,000-$72,000	$65,000-$78,000	$68,000-$82,000
Mid-career (2-5 years)	$68,000-$85,000	$78,000-$95,000	$82,000-$100,000
Experienced (5-10 years)	$78,000-$92,000	$88,000-$102,000	$92,000-$108,000
Senior (10+ years)	$85,000-$98,000	$92,000-$108,000	$98,000-$115,000
Team lead/charge tech	$90,000-$105,000	$95,000-$112,000	$100,000-$118,000
Manager/educator	$95,000-$125,000	—	—

Salary by Province

Province	General Radiographer (Mid)	MRI Technologist (Mid)	Notes
Ontario	$72,000-$90,000	$85,000-$105,000	Largest employer base; ONA/OPSEU unions
British Columbia	$70,000-$88,000	$82,000-$102,000	BCGEU/HSA union rates
Alberta	$75,000-$95,000	$88,000-$110,000	AHS single employer; competitive wages
Saskatchewan	$68,000-$85,000	$80,000-$100,000	SHA; northern premiums available
Manitoba	$65,000-$82,000	$78,000-$98,000	Growing demand
Quebec	$60,000-$78,000	$72,000-$92,000	FIQ/APTS union; lower nominal pay, lower cost
Nova Scotia	$62,000-$80,000	$75,000-$95,000	NSH employer; recruitment incentives
New Brunswick	$60,000-$78,000	$72,000-$92,000	Recruitment active
Newfoundland	$62,000-$82,000	$75,000-$98,000	Remote premiums for Labrador

Alberta typically offers the highest base rates for MRTs due to Alberta Health Services’ wage scales and the higher cost of living. Ontario has the most positions available. Remote and northern postings across all provinces often include $5,000-$20,000+ in additional allowances.

Salary by Imaging Modality

The specific modality you work in is the biggest factor in pay after experience. More technically demanding modalities and those requiring additional certification pay more.

Modality	Mid-Career Salary	Additional Training
Interventional radiology	$85,000-$110,000	Post-grad certificate
MRI technology	$82,000-$108,000	Post-grad certificate (1 year)
Radiation therapy	$80,000-$108,000	Separate degree program (3-4 years)
Nuclear medicine	$80,000-$105,000	Separate degree program (3-4 years)
CT technology	$78,000-$100,000	On-the-job or short certificate
Cardiac catheterization lab	$78,000-$100,000	On-the-job training
Mammography	$72,000-$92,000	Additional certification
Bone densitometry (DEXA)	$68,000-$85,000	Short certification
General radiography (X-ray)	$68,000-$90,000	Base MRT certification
Fluoroscopy	$70,000-$88,000	Part of general radiography

Shift Premiums and Additional Pay

Hospital-based MRTs earn significant additional pay through shift differentials, weekend premiums, and on-call compensation. These can add 10-20% to annual income.

Premium	Typical Rate
Evening shift (1500-2300)	+$2.50-$4.50/hour
Night shift (2300-0700)	+$4.00-$7.00/hour
Weekend premium	+$3.00-$5.50/hour
On-call availability	$4.00-$6.00/hour (while on-call)
Call-back (called in)	Minimum 4 hours at 1.5x or 2x pay
Statutory holiday	1.5x or 2x pay + lieu day
Overtime	1.5x after standard hours

Education Path

Step	Details	Duration
College diploma (MRT)	CAMRT-accredited programs across Canada	2-3 years
University degree (MRT/BHSc)	McMaster, BCIT, U of Alberta, etc.	3-4 years
CAMRT national certification exam	Required for practice in all provinces	After graduation
Provincial registration	Register with provincial regulatory body	After certification
Post-graduate certificate (CT)	Hospital-based or college	6-12 months
Post-graduate certificate (MRI)	College-based programs	12-16 months
Post-graduate certificate (mammography)	College or hospital-based	3-6 months

Education Costs

Program	Approximate Cost
College diploma (2-3 years)	$10,000-$22,000
University degree (3-4 years)	$20,000-$40,000
CAMRT certification exam	~$700-$900
Provincial registration (annual)	$300-$600
CT post-grad certificate	$3,000-$8,000
MRI post-grad certificate	$5,000-$12,000
CPD/continuing education	$500-$1,500/year

Profession	Mid-Career Salary	Education
Diagnostic medical sonographer	$75,000-$100,000	2-3 year diploma
MRI technologist	$82,000-$108,000	MRT diploma + MRI post-grad
Radiation therapist	$80,000-$108,000	3-4 year degree
Nuclear medicine technologist	$80,000-$105,000	3-4 year degree
General radiographer (MRT)	$68,000-$90,000	2-3 year diploma
Registered nurse (hospital)	$72,000-$100,000	4-year BScN
Medical laboratory technologist	$65,000-$85,000	2-3 year diploma
Respiratory therapist	$68,000-$90,000	3-year diploma

Benefits (Hospital-Based)

Benefit	Details
Pension	HOOPP (ON), LAPP (AB), MPP (BC), or equivalent DB pension
Health/dental insurance	Full coverage for employee + family
Vacation	3-6 weeks (increases with seniority)
Sick leave	12-18 days/year (accumulated)
Continuing education	$500-$2,000/year + paid CE days
Professional dues	Sometimes employer-paid
Overtime opportunities	Frequent due to staffing shortages
Union protection	Seniority rights, grievance process, layoff protections

Job Outlook

Medical imaging is one of the areas of fastest growth in healthcare. Imaging volumes are increasing due to aging population, expanded screening programs, and improved diagnostic capabilities. At the same time, many experienced MRTs are nearing retirement. The result is a significant shortage that is expected to worsen before it improves. This translates to excellent job security, strong bargaining position for wages, and abundant overtime opportunities for current MRTs. For prospective students, MRT programs typically have waitlists, indicating strong interest in the profession. The investment of 2-3 years of college education leading to a $70,000-$110,000 career with excellent benefits and pension represents one of the best returns on education in Canadian healthcare.

Factor	Status
Overall demand	Very high — chronic shortage across modalities
Wait times for imaging	Significant — driving expansion of equipment and staff
New graduate employment	Near 100%
Retirement wave	Significant — demographically older workforce
AI impact	Augmenting interpretation, not replacing technologists
Best-paid modalities	MRI, interventional radiology, radiation therapy
Remote/northern premiums	Substantial — $5,000-$20,000+ in allowances

→ Back to: Canadian Income Guide