Radiography Tech Salary

Cleveland vs Nashville: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Cleveland, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cleveland, TN
$67,328
$32.37/hr
Nashville, TN
$80,494
$38.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$67,328$80,494
Hourly Rate$32.37$38.70
Entry Level (P10)$50,204$60,510
25th Percentile$56,103$65,901
75th Percentile$83,696$87,496
Top Earner (P90)$99,217$105,037
Total Employed101,450
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($67,328) and Nashville ($80,494) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.ClevelandNashvilleMedian Salary$67,328$80,494Entry Level (P10)$50,204$60,510Top Earner (P90)$99,217$105,037US Median $84,348

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.

The salary gap between Cleveland and Nashville is $13,166 (19.56%). Nashville's median is -4.57% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $49,013,Nashville spans $44,527. Cleveland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$50,204
P25$56,103
Median$67,328
P75$83,696
P90 (Top)$99,217
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$60,510
P25$65,901
Median$80,494
P75$87,496
P90 (Top)$105,037

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($83,554 effective) pays 13.92% more than Cleveland ($73,342 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $67,328
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $73,342
Nashville
Nominal: $80,494
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $83,554

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,494/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,037)
  • Larger job market (1,450 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,554)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Cleveland grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.3% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Cleveland, TN

+30.2%

$49,100 (2019) → $63,945 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+49.3%

$51,220 (2019) → $76,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Cleveland or Nashville?

Nashville has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $80,494/year, compared to Cleveland at $67,328/year — a difference of $13,166 (19.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Nashville?

Cleveland radiologic technologist and technicians earn $32.37/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $38.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Nashville as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $73,342, Nashville = $83,554), job availability (10 vs 1,450 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Cleveland vs Nashville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $50,204 in Cleveland and $60,510 in Nashville. The Nashville 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