Durham vs Wilmington: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Durham, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,685▲ | $70,765 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.72▲ | $34.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,112▲ | $50,644 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,649▲ | $65,627 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,659▲ | $86,633 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,764▲ | $106,396 |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 410 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Durham and Wilmington is $13,920 (19.67%). Durham's median is +0.40% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $40,652,Wilmington spans $55,752. Wilmington 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, Durham ($86,792 effective) pays 18.26% more than Wilmington ($73,391 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,685/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,764)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,792)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Durham grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.6% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Durham, NC
$63,230 (2019) → $80,430 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$47,470 (2019) → $67,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Durham or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Durham to Wilmington as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Durham vs Wilmington?
Related Comparisons
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