Interventional radiology is a medical field focused on using various imaging equipment to perform minimally invasive procedures on patients, thereby reducing recovery time and patient risk. Interventional radiology professionals might use combinations of X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT technology to guide various equipment, such as needles, catheters, or wires, inside a patient’s body during these procedures.
Interventional radiology procedures are performed by a physician with assistance from an interventional radiology technologist (IR tech). This career guide provides an overview of the job of an interventional radiology technologist, including how to become an IR tech and the salary and career outlook for this essential healthcare profession.
Part 1: What is an IR Tech?
An interventional radiology tech is a specialized radiologic technologist who helps physicians with minimally invasive procedures that guide instruments through a patient’s blood vessels and organs. Some procedures involving IR techs include:
- angioplasty
- biopsies
- image-guided thermal ablation
- stenting
- thrombolysis
An IR tech sets up sterile equipment trays, positions patients correctly for interventional radiologic procedures, helps operate fluoroscopic equipment, and helps capture images. They must be knowledgeable about the procedures, equipment, and anatomy visualized.
Part 2: How to Become an IR Tech
Step 1: Get Your Education
An IR tech needs to complete an associate degree program in radiology or a bachelor’s degree in medical radiology. The program must be accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Step 2: Apply for Certification and Registration with the ARRT
Once you’ve completed your education program, you will need to obtain certification through the ARRT. These are the steps to earning certification as an IR Tech:
- Submit proof that you have completed the educational eligibility requirements, including the Didactic and Clinical Competency Requirements specific to radiography. How you demonstrate these is up to your program, but the ARRT does have suggested guidelines.
- Pass the ARRT ethical requirements.
- Pass the ARRT certification exam specific to an interventional radiology tech, such as vascular interventional radiology (VI) or cardiac interventional radiology (CI).
- Additionally, you’ll need to maintain your credentials by following these steps listed by the ARRT.
Step 3: State Licensure
Because many states require you to obtain a state license before you can practice, it’s important that you research what your state’s requirements are. A state license is different from an ARRT certification.
Part 3: How Much Do IR Techs Make?
Becoming an IR technologist can be a rewarding and challenging career choice — but exactly how much you make depends on several factors, such as your specialty, location, and whether you take on travel assignments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists is around $77,660. In contrast, technologists specializing in advanced imaging (e.g., MRI) have a median wage of $88,180 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics).
Compensation varies depending on region, experience, and work setting. Some technologists choose to work as traveling IR techs — sometimes accepting short-term assignments across the U.S. — which can offer higher pay or additional benefits on top of base salary.
Get started by viewing the travel IR tech jobs available through TotalMed.
Part 4: IR Tech Jobs
Interventional radiology technologists — like their radiologic and MRI‑technologist colleagues — most often work in hospitals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to increase by 5% from 2024 to 2034, slightly faster than the average across all occupations. That growth translates to roughly 15,400 job openings per year, on average, to cover both new positions and turnover. Demand is fueled by an aging population and the expanding use of diagnostic and image‑guided procedures, suggesting a stable opportunity for IR technologists in the coming decade.
Part 5: Who to Follow and IR Tech Resources
The American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Radiological Society of North America
American Society of Radiological Technologists
Instagram Hashtags – follow these hashtags to find relevant content shared in the interventional radiology technologist community:
#InterventionalRadiology
#IRTech
