Radiography Tech Salary

Allentown vs Altoona: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Allentown, PA and Altoona, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allentown, PA
$80,578
$38.74/hr
Altoona, PA
$82,863
$39.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllentown, PAAltoona, PA
Median Salary$80,578$82,863
Hourly Rate$38.74$39.84
Entry Level (P10)$63,722$54,940
25th Percentile$68,660$64,595
75th Percentile$91,055$83,558
Top Earner (P90)$105,490$96,951
Total Employed690110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allentown ($80,578) and Altoona ($82,863) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.AllentownAltoonaMedian Salary$80,578$82,863Entry Level (P10)$63,722$54,940Top Earner (P90)$105,490$96,951US Median $84,348

Verdict

Allentown and Altoona are closely matched on overall radiologic technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Allentown and Altoona is $2,285 (2.84%). Altoona's median is -1.76% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $41,768,Altoona spans $42,011. Altoona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Allentown
P10 (Entry)$63,722
P25$68,660
Median$80,578
P75$91,055
P90 (Top)$105,490
Altoona
P10 (Entry)$54,940
P25$64,595
Median$82,863
P75$83,558
P90 (Top)$96,951

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Altoona ($92,577 effective) pays 14.85% more than Allentown ($80,604 effective).

Allentown
Nominal: $80,578
CoL Index: 99.968
Adjusted: $80,604
Altoona
Nominal: $82,863
CoL Index: 89.507
Adjusted: $92,577

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allentown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($105,490)
  • Larger job market (690 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Altoona if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,863/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,577)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Allentown grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.9% growth in Altoona over the same period.

Allentown, PA

+42.6%

$53,650 (2019) → $76,530 (2025)

Altoona, PA

+48.9%

$52,860 (2019) → $78,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Allentown or Altoona?

Altoona has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $82,863/year, compared to Allentown at $80,578/year — a difference of $2,285 (2.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Altoona?

Allentown radiologic technologist and technicians earn $38.74/hr while Altoona hygienists earn $39.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allentown to Altoona as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allentown and Altoona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allentown = $80,604, Altoona = $92,577), job availability (690 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Allentown vs Altoona?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $63,722 in Allentown and $54,940 in Altoona. The Allentown 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