Radiography Tech Salary

Albany vs Salem: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Albany, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albany, OR
$103,879
$49.94/hr
Salem, OR
$106,954
$51.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, ORSalem, OR
Median Salary$103,879$106,954
Hourly Rate$49.94$51.42
Entry Level (P10)$73,145$81,368
25th Percentile$83,358$88,644
75th Percentile$116,072$125,664
Top Earner (P90)$130,517$130,149
Total Employed50240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($103,879) and Salem ($106,954) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.AlbanySalemMedian Salary$103,879$106,954Entry Level (P10)$73,145$81,368Top Earner (P90)$130,517$130,149US Median $84,348

Verdict

Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.

The salary gap between Albany and Salem is $3,075 (2.96%). Salem's median is +26.80% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $57,372,Salem spans $48,781. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albany
P10 (Entry)$73,145
P25$83,358
Median$103,879
P75$116,072
P90 (Top)$130,517
Salem
P10 (Entry)$81,368
P25$88,644
Median$106,954
P75$125,664
P90 (Top)$130,149

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($103,189 effective) pays 1.42% more than Albany ($101,742 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $103,879
CoL Index: 102.1
Adjusted: $101,742
Salem
Nominal: $106,954
CoL Index: 103.649
Adjusted: $103,189

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albany if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($130,517)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Salem if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,954/year)
  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,189)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Albany grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Salem over the same period.

Albany, OR

+20.5%

$81,870 (2019) → $98,660 (2025)

Salem, OR

+40.5%

$72,310 (2019) → $101,580 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Albany or Salem?

Salem has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $106,954/year, compared to Albany at $103,879/year — a difference of $3,075 (2.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Salem?

Albany radiologic technologist and technicians earn $49.94/hr while Salem hygienists earn $51.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albany to Salem as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Salem. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $101,742, Salem = $103,189), job availability (50 vs 240 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Albany vs Salem?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $73,145 in Albany and $81,368 in Salem. The Salem area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov