Radiography Tech Salary

Forest Grove vs Portland: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Forest Grove, OR
$102,921
$49.49/hr
Portland, OR
$110,354
$53.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricForest Grove, ORPortland, OR
Median Salary$102,921$110,354
Hourly Rate$49.49$53.06
Entry Level (P10)$71,394$74,830
25th Percentile$81,728$93,392
75th Percentile$123,954$128,401
Top Earner (P90)$145,502$132,507
Total Employed41,520
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Forest Grove ($102,921) and Portland ($110,354) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.Forest GrovePortlandMedian Salary$102,921$110,354Entry Level (P10)$71,394$74,830Top Earner (P90)$145,502$132,507US Median $84,348

Verdict

Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.

The salary gap between Forest Grove and Portland is $7,433 (7.22%). Portland's median is +30.83% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $74,108,Portland spans $57,677. Forest Grove has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Forest Grove
P10 (Entry)$71,394
P25$81,728
Median$102,921
P75$123,954
P90 (Top)$145,502
Portland
P10 (Entry)$74,830
P25$93,392
Median$110,354
P75$128,401
P90 (Top)$132,507

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($104,679 effective) pays 4.35% more than Forest Grove ($100,313 effective).

Forest Grove
Nominal: $102,921
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $100,313
Portland
Nominal: $110,354
CoL Index: 105.421
Adjusted: $104,679

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Forest Grove if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($145,502)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,354/year)
  • Larger job market (1,520 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,679)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Forest Grove grew 10.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.5% growth in Portland over the same period.

Forest Grove, OR

+10.9%

$88,150 (2024) → $97,750 (2025)

Portland, OR

+33.5%

$78,500 (2019) → $104,810 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Forest Grove or Portland?

Portland has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $110,354/year, compared to Forest Grove at $102,921/year — a difference of $7,433 (7.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Portland?

Forest Grove radiologic technologist and technicians earn $49.49/hr while Portland hygienists earn $53.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Portland as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Forest Grove and Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Forest Grove = $100,313, Portland = $104,679), job availability (4 vs 1,520 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Forest Grove vs Portland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $71,394 in Forest Grove and $74,830 in Portland. The Portland 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