Radiography Tech Salary

Brownsville vs Houston: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Brownsville, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brownsville, TX
$68,544
$32.96/hr
Houston, TX
$85,053
$40.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrownsville, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$68,544$85,053
Hourly Rate$32.96$40.89
Entry Level (P10)$36,915$54,961
25th Percentile$47,939$68,997
75th Percentile$81,537$101,057
Top Earner (P90)$91,897$108,565
Total Employed2605,000
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brownsville ($68,544) and Houston ($85,053) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.BrownsvilleHoustonMedian Salary$68,544$85,053Entry Level (P10)$36,915$54,961Top Earner (P90)$91,897$108,565US Median $84,348

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brownsville.

The salary gap between Brownsville and Houston is $16,509 (24.09%). Houston's median is +0.84% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brownsville spans $54,982,Houston spans $53,604. Brownsville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brownsville
P10 (Entry)$36,915
P25$47,939
Median$68,544
P75$81,537
P90 (Top)$91,897
Houston
P10 (Entry)$54,961
P25$68,997
Median$85,053
P75$101,057
P90 (Top)$108,565

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($86,235 effective) pays 8.17% more than Brownsville ($79,726 effective).

Brownsville
Nominal: $68,544
CoL Index: 85.975
Adjusted: $79,726
Houston
Nominal: $85,053
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $86,235

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brownsville if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($85,053/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($108,565)
  • Larger job market (5,000 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,235)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Brownsville grew 9.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Houston over the same period.

Brownsville, TX

+9.5%

$59,430 (2019) → $65,100 (2025)

Houston, TX

+22.8%

$65,770 (2019) → $80,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Brownsville or Houston?

Houston has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $85,053/year, compared to Brownsville at $68,544/year — a difference of $16,509 (24.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brownsville and Houston?

Brownsville radiologic technologist and technicians earn $32.96/hr while Houston hygienists earn $40.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brownsville to Houston as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brownsville and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brownsville = $79,726, Houston = $86,235), job availability (260 vs 5,000 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Brownsville vs Houston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $36,915 in Brownsville and $54,961 in Houston. The Houston 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