Travel X-Ray Tech Jobs: The Complete Career Guide to Radiography on the Road
If you’re a certified X-ray technologist (or radiologic technologist) looking for higher pay, adventure, and career flexibility, travel X-ray tech jobs could be your ideal path. As demand grows across the country for qualified x-ray techs and imaging professionals, travel assignments allow you to take your skills on the road—working in top facilities, experiencing new places, and enjoying flexible contracts.
This guide walks you through what a career in radiography looks like, how to specialize, the benefits of traveling as a radiographer, and how to launch your career with Nomad Health.
What Does an X-Ray Tech Do?
Radiologic technologists, often called X-ray techs, use specialized medical imaging equipment to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions and injuries. They work closely with physicians, radiologists, and care teams to perform high-quality diagnostic procedures with a focus on patient safety and clinical accuracy.
Most X-ray techs begin their careers in general diagnostic radiography, but many go on to expand their skills through cross-training or by earning post-primary certifications from the ARRT.
Depending on their training and credentials, X-ray techs may perform or assist with:
- X-rays (general radiography)
- CT scans (Computed Tomography)
- MRI imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Mammography
- Fluoroscopy procedures
- Vascular or cardiac interventional imaging
- Bone densitometry
- Sonography and vascular sonography (with additional education and credentialing)
- Advanced patient care as a Radiologist Assistant (with further education and certification)
Many of these advanced roles are open to ARRT(R) credentialed technologists who either cross-train through supervised clinical experience or complete the requirements for ARRT post-primary certification. Cross-training alone may be accepted for some positions, especially in high-demand areas or travel assignments.
X-ray techs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, urgent care clinics, surgical centers, and mobile imaging units. Some professionals choose to specialize in areas like trauma or orthopedics, while others broaden their expertise across multiple imaging modalities to increase flexibility, career opportunities, and earning potential.
How to Specialize as an X-Ray Technologist?
Specialization in radiography typically starts with education and expands through credentialing and clinical experience. Here's how to grow your expertise:
- Complete a radiologic technology program (typically an associate’s degree or higher)
- Pass the ARRT certification exam
- Gain experience in areas like trauma, orthopedics, or mobile radiography
- Cross-train in CT, MRI, or mammography for broader marketability
- Maintain ongoing continuing education (CE) as required
Tip: Many travel roles prefer or require advanced modality experience, so expanding your skill set increases your earning potential.
What is a Travel X-Ray Tech?
A travel X-ray tech is a certified radiologic technologist who takes short-term assignments at hospitals, clinics, or imaging centers across the country. These professionals specialize in performing diagnostic X-rays and sometimes assist in portable or mobile imaging for trauma and bedside procedures.
Key traits: Flexibility, adaptability, clinical accuracy, and a strong foundation in patient care and radiation safety.
Benefits of Becoming a Travel X-Ray Tech
Competitive Pay and Bonuses
Travel radiography jobs often pay significantly more than staff positions due to demand, location flexibility, and urgency. Travel x-ray techs can also qualify for:
- Tax-free housing stipends
- Meal and incidental per diems
- Completion bonuses or extensions
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
You choose where and when to work. Travel contracts typically last 13 weeks and can be extended—or swapped for time off between assignments.
Diverse Professional Experiences
Work in leading hospitals, rural clinics, or trauma centers. Gain exposure to:
- New equipment and protocols
- Multidisciplinary teams
- Different patient populations and care models
Career Growth Opportunities
Travel imaging techs rapidly build a robust resume and clinical versatility. Plus, working in varied environments can position you for:
- Higher-paying roles
- Cross-training opportunities
- Long-term permanent offers
Requirements, Certifications, and Licensure for Travel Radiographers
To qualify for travel radiography jobs, you must meet several certification and compliance standards.
Educational Requirements
- Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program in radiologic technology
- Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, depending on your state and career goals
ARRT Certification
Most employers require ARRT credentials:
- Pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam
- Maintain active status through continuing education (24 CE credits every two years)
- Some states may require you to register separately with ARRT and a state board
State Licensure and Compliance
Each state sets its own licensing rules. For travel roles, you must:
- Hold an active license in the state where you’ll work
- Complete background checks or radiation safety courses as required
- Submit license applications several weeks before your assignment start date
Tip: Nomad Health helps you track state requirements and licensing timelines so you're never caught off guard.
Why Choose Travel Over Permanent X-Ray Jobs?
Permanent roles offer stability, but travel X-ray jobs give you more control, flexibility, and faster career growth. Here’s why many radiologic technologists are choosing to hit the road:
- Higher earning potential with stipends and bonuses
- Flexible schedules with breaks between assignments
- Experience in diverse clinical environments
- Faster skill development and résumé building
If you're ready to start exploring travel X-ray tech jobs, Nomad Health makes it easy.
Getting Started as a Travel Radiographer at Nomad Health
Starting your travel imaging career with Nomad Health is simple. Here’s how:
- Create your free profile at NomadHealth.com
- Upload credentials, ARRT certification, and work history
- Search jobs by location, pay, and modality preferences
- Apply instantly—no recruiter required
- Get licensed in your assignment state if needed (we’ll help guide you)
- Accept your offer, confirm housing stipends, and start your contract
Why Travel with Nomad?
- Transparent job listings and pay—no hidden details
- Contracts across top hospitals and imaging centers nationwide
- Flexible scheduling and consistent career support
- Real-time job alerts for the roles you want
- No recruiter pressure—just freedom to manage your assignments your way
FAQS: Travel X-Ray Tech Career
- Radiography involves using imaging technology (like X-rays) to assist in medical diagnosis. Radiographers work in hospitals, outpatient centers, and more.
- Complete a radiology program, earn ARRT certification, and gain experience in areas like trauma or CT/MRI imaging.
- Higher pay, flexible scheduling, exposure to new work environments, and the chance to explore new locations.
- ARRT certification is essential. Most states also require specific licensure for radiographers working within their borders.
- Sign up at NomadHealth.com, complete your profile, search and apply to jobs, and get assistance with licensing and logistics.