Radiography Tech Salary

Charleston vs Spartanburg: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Charleston, SC and Spartanburg, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charleston, SC
$76,577
$36.82/hr
Spartanburg, SC
$70,586
$33.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharleston, SCSpartanburg, SC
Median Salary$76,577$70,586
Hourly Rate$36.82$33.93
Entry Level (P10)$61,542$57,573
25th Percentile$66,133$67,249
75th Percentile$101,942$84,801
Top Earner (P90)$101,942$84,801
Total Employed640230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charleston ($76,577) and Spartanburg ($70,586) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.CharlestonSpartanburgMedian Salary$76,577$70,586Entry Level (P10)$61,542$57,573Top Earner (P90)$101,942$84,801US Median $84,348

Verdict

Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spartanburg.

The salary gap between Charleston and Spartanburg is $5,991 (8.49%). Charleston's median is -9.21% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $40,400,Spartanburg spans $27,228. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Charleston
P10 (Entry)$61,542
P25$66,133
Median$76,577
P75$101,942
P90 (Top)$101,942
Spartanburg
P10 (Entry)$57,573
P25$67,249
Median$70,586
P75$84,801
P90 (Top)$84,801

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spartanburg ($77,524 effective) pays 2.21% more than Charleston ($75,847 effective).

Charleston
Nominal: $76,577
CoL Index: 100.962
Adjusted: $75,847
Spartanburg
Nominal: $70,586
CoL Index: 91.051
Adjusted: $77,524

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charleston if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,577/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,942)
  • Larger job market (640 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Spartanburg if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,524)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Charleston grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in Spartanburg over the same period.

Charleston, SC

+19.7%

$60,750 (2019) → $72,730 (2025)

Spartanburg, SC

+26.5%

$52,990 (2020) → $67,040 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Charleston or Spartanburg?

Charleston has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $76,577/year, compared to Spartanburg at $70,586/year — a difference of $5,991 (8.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Spartanburg?

Charleston radiologic technologist and technicians earn $36.82/hr while Spartanburg hygienists earn $33.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charleston to Spartanburg as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charleston and Spartanburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charleston = $75,847, Spartanburg = $77,524), job availability (640 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Charleston vs Spartanburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $61,542 in Charleston and $57,573 in Spartanburg. The Charleston 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