Role Snapshot

ANZSCO Code: 251212 — Medical Imaging Technologist
Role Variants: Diagnostic Radiographer, CT Radiographer, MRI Radiographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiation Therapist, Sonographer
Parent Category: NZ Healthcare & Medical Roles
Skill Level: 2
Green List: Tier 1 — on the NZ Green List, with a direct pathway to residency on commencement of employment with an accredited employer
National Occupation List (NOL): Yes — eligible for AEWV with an accredited employer job offer

🇦🇺Also available for AustraliaMedical Imaging Technologist Roles in AustraliaVETASSESS + AHPRA · CSOL eligible→

Medical Imaging Technologists (also known as Radiographers) are on the NZ Green List Tier 1 — meaning this role carries a direct pathway to residency from the moment of employment with an accredited employer. NZ hospitals and radiology clinics face persistent shortages of trained imaging professionals, creating strong demand across all modalities and regions. The profession is regulated by the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).

• Plain film X-ray imaging for emergency, orthopaedic, and general diagnostic purposes
• CT scanning: trauma, oncology, cardiac, and neurological protocols
• MRI scanning across neurological, musculoskeletal, and abdominal imaging
• Nuclear medicine imaging: SPECT and PET scanning
• Radiation therapy: planning and delivery of radiotherapy for cancer patients
• Ultrasound / sonography in obstetrics, vascular, and general imaging

Typical employers: District Health Boards / Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ); private radiology groups (Pacific Radiology, Ascot Radiology, South Island Radiology); cancer treatment centres; specialist imaging clinics.

Salary Benchmark

Typical Range: $65,000 – $115,000+ NZD per year, depending on experience, employer, and region.

• Entry level / early career: $65,000–$78,000
• Mid-career (4–9 years): $80,000–$98,000
• Experienced / senior: $99,000–$115,000+ (specialist / senior)

Source: SEEK — Radiographer Salary NZ | Data reviewed May 2026

Cost of living: Purchasing power varies significantly by region. For an independent comparison, see Numbeo — New Zealand. TEFI provides clients with a detailed financial planning workbook to model living costs by city and lifestyle during the migration process — ask Tate for a copy.

Where Demand Is Strongest

Medical imaging demand is strong nationwide, with shortages particularly acute outside Auckland:

• Auckland — Largest private radiology market and DHB imaging departments; CT and MRI modalities in high demand
• Wellington / Christchurch — Major hospital imaging departments with consistent openings; specialist modalities recruite regularly
• Regional hospitals (Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson) — Persistent shortages; often willing to sponsor and support relocation; faster employment pathway
• Radiation therapy — Cancer centres in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch recruit radiation therapists; specialised but strong demand

Licensing & Professional Registration

Mandatory registration: Yes — all Medical Imaging Technologists and Radiation Therapists in New Zealand must be registered with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB).

Registration process for overseas applicants:

• Assessment of overseas qualifications and clinical experience against NZ standards
• English language proficiency required: IELTS 7.0 Academic or equivalent OET scores
• May require a supervised practice period depending on country of training and years of experience
• Australian applicants benefit from TTMRA streamlined recognition

Allow 3–6 months for assessment. Begin the MRTB process before your job search. NZ employers expect candidates to be registered or actively in process.

Immigration Pathway

Licensing required to work: See Licensing section above. ANZSCO 251212 is on the Green List Tier 1.

Visa options:

• Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence — as a Tier 1 occupation, a qualified medical imaging technologist with a job offer from an accredited employer can apply directly for the Accredited Employer Work Visa with a fast-track residency pathway from commencement.
  
  Green List — Immigration New Zealand
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — requires a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer.
  
  Immigration New Zealand — Work Visas
• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa — points-based alternative.
  
  Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

Tier 1 Green List: This role qualifies for the Straight to Residence pathway — you can apply for residence immediately upon commencement of employment with an accredited employer. MRTB registration must be in place first.

For most of our clients, the job offer sets into motion a clear migration process touching upon immigration compliance, timing, city selection, quality of life, and professional opportunities — the offer is the trigger for all of it.

Important: TEFI does not provide immigration advice. Visa eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, qualifications, and current INZ policy. We recommend working with a licensed New Zealand immigration adviser for guidance specific to your situation. We refer clients to New Zealand Shores — contact Fabien Maisonneuve directly at Fabien@newzealandshores.com and mention Tate sent you.

Migrant Readiness Signals

NZ employers look for medical imaging technologist candidates who demonstrate:

• Start MRTB registration first: The assessment takes 3–6 months. This is the critical path item — begin before starting your job search
• Multi-modality experience is valued: Plain film + CT + MRI experience makes you highly marketable. Radiation therapists with oncology sub-specialty experience are also in high demand
• Green List Tier 1 status is powerful: Tell employers explicitly — your role qualifies for the Straight to Residence pathway. This reduces their visa risk and makes you a lower-complexity hire
• Private vs public settings: Private radiology groups can offer higher salaries; public DHB roles offer clinical variety and career development pathways. Both are strong starting points
• Regional options are genuinely good: Regional hospitals outside Auckland often have better work-life balance, faster employment, and relocation support packages. The imaging work is clinically equivalent

Where to Find Roles

• SEEK NZ — search: “Radiographer NZ” or “Medical Imaging”
• NZIMRT — NZ Institute of Medical Radiation Technology — professional body and job listings
• Health Careers NZ — government health workforce portal
• TradeMe Jobs — search: “Radiographer New Zealand”

A note on cold applications: In New Zealand, many roles are filled through referral, recruiter relationships, or candidates already known to the employer — a cold application rarely lands. To be the exception, you need an exceptional profile and direct employer contact. If you are not sure how your background will read to a NZ employer, upload your CV for no-cost, practical feedback on how your background reads to NZ employers — Tate typically responds within one business day.