Are you a radiologic technologist craving a mix of professional excitement and personal freedom? Look no further than travel CT tech jobs. Traveling computed tomography (CT) technologists are in high demand across the country, offering a unique blend of financial rewards, career development, and the chance to explore new places.
What Is a Travel CT Technologist?
A travel CT technologist is an allied health professional who takes on short-term contract assignments at hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics facing temporary staffing shortages . While the work remains similar to permanent CT techs—operating CT scanners to produce detailed cross-sectional images for diagnosis—the travel element adds variety and flexibility .
Your day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Preparing and positioning patients for CT scans
- Selecting appropriate imaging protocols
- Administering contrast media when needed
- Ensuring radiation safety standards
- Troubleshooting equipment issues
- Maintaining accurate patient records
- Collaborating with radiologists and healthcare teams
Travel CT techs must quickly adapt to new environments, different CT equipment platforms (like Siemens, GE, or Philips), and varying facility protocols with each assignment .
How Much Do Travel CT Techs Make?
The financial upside is one of the biggest attractions to this career path. Travel CT technologists earn significantly more than their permanent counterparts—around $2,493 per week on average, compared to about $1,750 per week for staff CT techs . That’s roughly 37% more in weekly pay.
Some top-paying locations offer even higher compensation:
- Milford, Connecticut: up to $4,050/week
- Plattsburgh, New York: around $3,746/week
- Mountain View, California: approximately $3,725/week
- Fremont, California: around $3,642/week
State-by-state variations are significant. Oregon leads with average hourly rates of $72 (peaking at $97/hour), while California and Washington average $51/hour . In Georgia, you might see around $33/hour, while Texas and Florida offer $38 and $34/hour respectively .
For a typical 13-week assignment, a travel CT tech can earn around $31,239 . Some premium contracts reportedly offer between $3,000 to $5,000 per week, especially in high-demand areas .
Additional Benefits and Perks
Beyond the high base pay, travel CT techs enjoy numerous additional benefits:
- Housing stipends or provided accommodations
- Travel reimbursements
- Transportation allowances
- Flexible scheduling
- Comprehensive benefits packages (medical, dental, vision from day one)
- Retirement plans (401k)
- Licensure reimbursement
- Loyalty and referral bonuses
Many agencies offer concierge-level support with dedicated recruiters who help with job placement, credentialing, and navigating assignments .
Requirements to Become a Travel CT Tech
Education and Certifications
- Associate’s degree in radiologic technology or related field
- ARRT certification in Radiography (R) and Computed Tomography (CT)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association
- State license where required
- One to two years of recent experience as a CT technologist
Valuable Additional Credentials
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Venipuncture competency
- Experience with trauma or ER settings
- Proficiency with PACS systems
- Familiarity with multiple CT scanner brands
Top Travel Staffing Agencies for CT Techs
Working with reputable agencies can make your travel experience smoother and more rewarding. Top agencies include:
- TLC Nursing – Over 18 years of experience connecting professionals with top-tier facilities
- Aya Healthcare – High-paying radiology jobs nationwide
- AMN Healthcare Allied – Strong support and many opportunities
- Host Healthcare – Extensive travel contracts
- Medical Solutions Allied – Robust job listings and support systems
- Triage Staffing – Consistently high number of active jobs
Currently, there are over 21,000 active travel CT tech jobs available nationally, indicating strong and sustained demand .
Tips for Success as a Travel CT Tech
- Build strong communication skills – you’ll interact with patients and healthcare teams in different settings
- Stay adaptable – each assignment brings new equipment, protocols, and team dynamics
- Maintain a professional network – connections lead to better opportunities
- Keep learning – stay current with CT technology and imaging techniques
- Work with a dedicated recruiter – they can guide you through the application process and negotiate better packages
Is Travel CT Tech Right for You?
Travel CT tech jobs are ideal for radiologic technologists who want:
- Higher earning potential than permanent positions
- Career growth through diverse clinical experiences
- Flexibility to choose assignments, locations, and schedules
- Exploration of new cities and regions while working
- Professional development by working in various healthcare environments
With strong job security, excellent pay, and the opportunity to see the country, travel CT tech jobs offer an exciting and lucrative career path for qualified imaging professionals. Whether you’re looking to pay off student loans, gain experience, or simply enjoy a life of adventure, the world of travel CT technology awaits.