Radiography Tech Salary

Alexandria vs Roanoke: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Alexandria, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alexandria, VA
$101,676
$48.89/hr
Roanoke, VA
$79,715
$38.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlexandria, VARoanoke, VA
Median Salary$101,676$79,715
Hourly Rate$48.89$38.33
Entry Level (P10)$72,560$54,519
25th Percentile$82,970$66,975
75th Percentile$127,720$84,959
Top Earner (P90)$154,372$98,773
Total Employed26340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alexandria ($101,676) and Roanoke ($79,715) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.AlexandriaRoanokeMedian Salary$101,676$79,715Entry Level (P10)$72,560$54,519Top Earner (P90)$154,372$98,773US Median $84,348

Verdict

Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.

The salary gap between Alexandria and Roanoke is $21,961 (27.55%). Alexandria's median is +20.54% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $81,812,Roanoke spans $44,254. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alexandria
P10 (Entry)$72,560
P25$82,970
Median$101,676
P75$127,720
P90 (Top)$154,372
Roanoke
P10 (Entry)$54,519
P25$66,975
Median$79,715
P75$84,959
P90 (Top)$98,773

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($98,523 effective) pays 15.71% more than Roanoke ($85,149 effective).

Alexandria
Nominal: $101,676
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $98,523
Roanoke
Nominal: $79,715
CoL Index: 93.618
Adjusted: $85,149

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alexandria if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,676/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($154,372)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,523)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Roanoke if…

  • Larger job market (340 employed)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Alexandria grew 33.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Roanoke over the same period.

Alexandria, VA

+33.5%

$72,347 (2024) → $96,568 (2025)

Roanoke, VA

+40.5%

$53,870 (2019) → $75,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Alexandria or Roanoke?

Alexandria has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $101,676/year, compared to Roanoke at $79,715/year — a difference of $21,961 (27.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Roanoke?

Alexandria radiologic technologist and technicians earn $48.89/hr while Roanoke hygienists earn $38.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alexandria to Roanoke as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alexandria and Roanoke. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alexandria = $98,523, Roanoke = $85,149), job availability (26 vs 340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Alexandria vs Roanoke?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $72,560 in Alexandria and $54,519 in Roanoke. The Alexandria area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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