Radiography Salary Structure in Nigeria (2025): Entry-Level to Senior Positions |Golden News

What Do Radiographers Really Do?

Radiographers are the healthcare professionals behind those X-ray and imaging machines you see in hospitals. Their main job is to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body; like your bones, chest, or internal organs so that doctors can figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it.

Even though they’re not medical doctors, radiographers are highly trained and sometimes earn salaries that are close to what doctors make, especially if they’ve been in the field for a while. Using special machines, they can detect anything from broken bones to unusual objects inside the body. You’ll mostly find them in hospitals, big clinics, or even running their own imaging centers where they handle cases referred by doctors.

You might also hear people call them “medical radiation technologists.” That’s just another name for the same job.

Because radiographers work with high-tech, expensive machines, they need to be extra careful. They have to make sure everything is working perfectly before using it on a patient. They’re also trained to use just the right amount of radiation enough to get clear images but not too much that it could harm you.

Apart from taking the scans, they help position patients properly, maintain the equipment, and make sure you’re comfortable during the process. Their job also includes filling out paperwork, writing reports, and ensuring everything is done according to health and safety rules.

Radiographers don’t just press buttons—they play a critical role in diagnosing and tracking health conditions. It’s no surprise their salary reflects the importance of what they do, often earning as much as pharmacists and other key medical staff.

The Discovery of Radiography

Radiography, which we now use every day in hospitals to take X-rays, all started with a surprising discovery in 1895 by a German physicist named Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. While experimenting with electrical currents and special tubes called cathode ray tubes, Roentgen noticed something unusual—an invisible ray that could pass through solid objects and still leave an image on a photographic plate.

He called this new type of ray the “X-ray” because he wasn’t exactly sure what it was , so the “X” stood for “unknown.” Just a few weeks later, he took the first-ever X-ray image: a photo of his wife’s hand, where her bones and even her wedding ring were clearly visible!

This unexpected discovery changed medicine forever. For the first time, doctors could see inside the human body without surgery. It was a game-changer—and it marked the beginning of radiography as we know it today.

Roentgen’s work was so groundbreaking that he was awarded the first-ever Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. Since then, radiography has grown into a vital part of medical diagnosis, used to detect everything from broken bones to lung infections and tumors.

Branches of Radiography

Radiography isn’t just about taking X-rays. Over time, the field has grown into several branches, each focusing on different parts of the body or types of medical imaging. If you’re considering a career in radiography or you’re just curious, here are the main branches you should know:

1. Diagnostic Radiography

This is the most common type and what most people think of when they hear “radiography.” It involves using X-rays to look inside the body and help doctors diagnose things like broken bones, infections, or abnormal growths.

2. Therapeutic Radiography (Radiation Therapy)

This branch is used in treating diseases, especially cancer. Radiographers here work with radiation oncologists to deliver targeted doses of radiation to shrink or kill cancer cells.

3. Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning

CT scanning uses advanced X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images (slices) of the body. It’s like putting together a 3D image from multiple angles, helping to detect things a regular X-ray might miss.

4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI doesn’t use radiation but powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and spinal cord.

5. Ultrasound (Sonography)

Although it’s often grouped separately, many radiographers specialize in ultrasound too. It uses sound waves to create images—commonly used for pregnancy scans, but also for examining organs and blood flow.

6. Mammography

This is a special type of diagnostic imaging focused on the breasts. It’s mainly used to detect early signs of breast cancer.

7. Interventional Radiography

This is a mix of diagnosis and treatment. Radiographers here help guide tiny instruments through the body using real-time images, often to treat conditions without the need for surgery.

Radiography Salary Structure in Nigeria

The salary of a radiographer in Nigeria largely depends on factors like experience, job description, qualifications, and the hospital where they work. For example, senior radiographers or those who specialize in areas like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) often earn more than entry-level professionals. Also, working in a federal government hospital generally pays better than working in state or private hospitals.

Many people on platforms like Nairaland often compare Radiography vs Nursing salary in Nigeria, and while both professions are rewarding, radiographers especially those with advanced roles or in specialized fields can sometimes earn more than Nurses. This raises questions like, “Is Radiography harder than Nursing?” or “Radiology or Nursing, which is better?” The truth is, both careers require dedication, but Radiography offers unique opportunities, especially for those who aim to become a Doctor of Radiography in Nigeria or even aspire to be the richest radiographer in Nigeria someday.

If you’re considering a switch and wondering, “Can a radiographer become a nurse?” yes, it’s possible, but it requires going back to school and meeting nursing qualifications. For those curious about the best path, it all starts with quality education. Choosing the best university to study Radiography in Nigeria is the first step. Once you’re enrolled, learning how to become a radiographer in Nigeria becomes a journey shaped by hands-on training, licensing, and commitment.

How Much Are Radiographers Paid As Salaries in Nigeria Monthly?

Entry-Level Radiographers (Fresh Graduates)

Newly employed radiographers—especially in government hospitals—can earn between ₦120,000 to ₦180,000 monthly. In private hospitals, the salary might be lower, sometimes around ₦80,000 to ₦120,000 per month.

Mid-Level Radiographers (2–5 Years Experience)

With a few years of experience, radiographers start earning between ₦180,000 to ₦250,000 monthly, depending on their workplace and additional certifications.

Senior Radiographers / Consultants

Experienced or senior radiographers in big hospitals or teaching hospitals may earn up to ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 or more monthly. Those in administrative or specialized roles (e.g. CT/MRI units) may earn even higher.

Private Practice or Freelance

Radiographers who run their own diagnostic centers or work on referrals can earn significantly more—sometimes over ₦600,000 monthly—depending on client flow and services offered.

Summary Table

Level	Monthly Salary Range (₦)
Entry-Level	₦120,000 – ₦180,000 (Govt)
	₦80,000 – ₦120,000 (Private)
Mid-Level (2–5 years)	₦180,000 – ₦250,000
Senior Radiographers	₦300,000 – ₦500,000+
Private Practice	₦400,000 – ₦600,000+

How to Become a Radiographer in Nigeria

Becoming a radiographer in Nigeria is a rewarding for anyone passionate about medical imaging, technology, and healthcare. If you’re curious about where to start or how long it takes, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the path clearly:

1. Get the Right O’Level Subjects

To begin, you’ll need at least five credits in your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, including:

English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Physics
Chemistry

These subjects are important because Radiography is a science-based course that blends health and technology.

2. Pass the JAMB UTME

Next, you need to sit for the JAMB exam, and choose Radiography or Radiological Sciences as your preferred course. The JAMB subject combination is usually:

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Aim for a JAMB score of 210 and above if you’re targeting top universities or federal institutions, as Radiography is quite competitive.

3. Choose an Accredited University

Not all universities in Nigeria offer Radiography. It’s important to choose a school accredited by the Medical Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN). Some of the best universities to study Radiography in Nigeria include:

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
Bayero University, Kano (BUK)
University of Calabar (UNICAL)

You can check our full list of Accredited Universities Offering Medical Radiography in Nigeria (2025).

4. Complete a 5-Year Degree Program

Radiography is a 5-year course in Nigeria. Throughout your training, you’ll take courses in anatomy, physiology, radiographic techniques, radiation safety, and medical imaging.

5. Undergo Internship and NYSC

After graduation, you’re required to complete a one-year internship in an accredited medical facility. This hands-on training is crucial. After the internship, you’ll also participate in the NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) program.

6. Get Licensed by RRBN

To officially practice as a radiographer, you must register and obtain a license from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN). Without this, you cannot legally work in hospitals or clinics.