Columbia vs Mount Pleasant: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Columbia, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,999▲ | $77,317 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.50▲ | $37.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,931▲ | $54,221 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,175▲ | $60,483 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,686 | $94,620▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,099 | $112,512▲ |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Columbia and Mount Pleasant is $682 (0.88%). Columbia's median is -7.53% 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,Mount Pleasant spans $58,291. Mount Pleasant has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mount Pleasant ($84,499 effective) pays 1.47% more than Columbia ($83,277 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,999/year)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,512)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,499)
- ✓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 27.6% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$49,970 (2019) → $74,080 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$57,562 (2024) → $73,432 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Columbia or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Mount Pleasant as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Columbia vs Mount Pleasant?
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.
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