Radiography Tech Salary

Columbia vs Conway: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Columbia, SC
$77,999
$37.50/hr
Conway, SC
$78,100
$37.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, SCConway, SC
Median Salary$77,999$78,100
Hourly Rate$37.50$37.55
Entry Level (P10)$58,931$59,234
25th Percentile$65,175$65,421
75th Percentile$89,686$93,328
Top Earner (P90)$101,099$107,807
Total Employed7004
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($77,999) and Conway ($78,100) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.ColumbiaConwayMedian Salary$77,999$78,100Entry Level (P10)$58,931$59,234Top Earner (P90)$101,099$107,807US Median $84,348

Verdict

Conway, SC offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.

The salary gap between Columbia and Conway is $101 (0.13%). Conway's median is -7.41% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $42,168,Conway spans $48,573. Conway has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Columbia
P10 (Entry)$58,931
P25$65,175
Median$77,999
P75$89,686
P90 (Top)$101,099
Conway
P10 (Entry)$59,234
P25$65,421
Median$78,100
P75$93,328
P90 (Top)$107,807

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Conway ($85,355 effective) pays 2.50% more than Columbia ($83,277 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $77,999
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $83,277
Conway
Nominal: $78,100
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $85,355

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbia if…

  • Larger job market (700 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Conway if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,100/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,807)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,355)
  • 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 Columbia grew 48.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.7% growth in Conway over the same period.

Columbia, SC

+48.2%

$49,970 (2019) → $74,080 (2025)

Conway, SC

+41.7%

$52,343 (2024) → $74,176 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Columbia or Conway?

Conway has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $78,100/year, compared to Columbia at $77,999/year — a difference of $101 (0.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Conway?

Columbia radiologic technologist and technicians earn $37.50/hr while Conway hygienists earn $37.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbia to Conway as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Conway. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $83,277, Conway = $85,355), job availability (700 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Columbia vs Conway?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $58,931 in Columbia and $59,234 in Conway. The Conway 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