Radiography Tech Salary

Hampton vs Richmond: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Hampton, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hampton, VA
$81,193
$39.03/hr
Richmond, VA
$84,864
$40.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHampton, VARichmond, VA
Median Salary$81,193$84,864
Hourly Rate$39.03$40.80
Entry Level (P10)$57,698$63,437
25th Percentile$66,007$78,841
75th Percentile$103,471$100,731
Top Earner (P90)$123,061$103,342
Total Employed241,130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hampton ($81,193) and Richmond ($84,864) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.HamptonRichmondMedian Salary$81,193$84,864Entry Level (P10)$57,698$63,437Top Earner (P90)$123,061$103,342US Median $84,348

Verdict

Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hampton.

The salary gap between Hampton and Richmond is $3,671 (4.52%). Richmond's median is +0.61% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hampton spans $65,363,Richmond spans $39,905. Hampton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hampton
P10 (Entry)$57,698
P25$66,007
Median$81,193
P75$103,471
P90 (Top)$123,061
Richmond
P10 (Entry)$63,437
P25$78,841
Median$84,864
P75$100,731
P90 (Top)$103,342

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($86,722 effective) pays 10.23% more than Hampton ($78,675 effective).

Hampton
Nominal: $81,193
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $78,675
Richmond
Nominal: $84,864
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $86,722

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hampton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($123,061)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Richmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,864/year)
  • Larger job market (1,130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,722)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Hampton grew 6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.

Hampton, VA

+6.9%

$72,160 (2024) → $77,114 (2025)

Richmond, VA

+38.3%

$58,300 (2019) → $80,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Hampton or Richmond?

Richmond has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $84,864/year, compared to Hampton at $81,193/year — a difference of $3,671 (4.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hampton and Richmond?

Hampton radiologic technologist and technicians earn $39.03/hr while Richmond hygienists earn $40.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hampton to Richmond as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hampton and Richmond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hampton = $78,675, Richmond = $86,722), job availability (24 vs 1,130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Hampton vs Richmond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $57,698 in Hampton and $63,437 in Richmond. The Richmond 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