Radiography Tech Salary

Erie vs Pittsburgh: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Erie, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Erie, PA
$65,806
$31.64/hr
Pittsburgh, PA
$71,460
$34.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricErie, PAPittsburgh, PA
Median Salary$65,806$71,460
Hourly Rate$31.64$34.36
Entry Level (P10)$41,453$58,088
25th Percentile$63,079$65,248
75th Percentile$67,891$83,474
Top Earner (P90)$84,379$97,130
Total Employed1601,350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Erie ($65,806) and Pittsburgh ($71,460) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.EriePittsburghMedian Salary$65,806$71,460Entry Level (P10)$41,453$58,088Top Earner (P90)$84,379$97,130US Median $84,348

Verdict

Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.

The salary gap between Erie and Pittsburgh is $5,654 (8.59%). Pittsburgh's median is -15.28% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Erie spans $42,926,Pittsburgh spans $39,042. Erie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Erie
P10 (Entry)$41,453
P25$63,079
Median$65,806
P75$67,891
P90 (Top)$84,379
Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$58,088
P25$65,248
Median$71,460
P75$83,474
P90 (Top)$97,130

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($75,482 effective) pays 4.32% more than Erie ($72,354 effective).

Erie
Nominal: $65,806
CoL Index: 90.95
Adjusted: $72,354
Pittsburgh
Nominal: $71,460
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $75,482

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Erie if…

  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,460/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($97,130)
  • Larger job market (1,350 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,482)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Erie grew 46.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.7% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.

Erie, PA

+46.0%

$42,810 (2019) → $62,500 (2025)

Pittsburgh, PA

+35.7%

$50,000 (2019) → $67,870 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Erie or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $71,460/year, compared to Erie at $65,806/year — a difference of $5,654 (8.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Erie and Pittsburgh?

Erie radiologic technologist and technicians earn $31.64/hr while Pittsburgh hygienists earn $34.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Erie to Pittsburgh as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Erie and Pittsburgh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Erie = $72,354, Pittsburgh = $75,482), job availability (160 vs 1,350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Erie vs Pittsburgh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $41,453 in Erie and $58,088 in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh 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