Radiography Tech Salary

Hartford vs Waterbury: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Hartford, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hartford, CT
$95,045
$45.70/hr
Waterbury, CT
$91,128
$43.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHartford, CTWaterbury, CT
Median Salary$95,045$91,128
Hourly Rate$45.70$43.81
Entry Level (P10)$70,428$67,007
25th Percentile$83,579$79,357
75th Percentile$105,016$98,867
Top Earner (P90)$111,765$111,091
Total Employed1,130410
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hartford ($95,045) and Waterbury ($91,128) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.HartfordWaterburyMedian Salary$95,045$91,128Entry Level (P10)$70,428$67,007Top Earner (P90)$111,765$111,091US Median $84,348

Verdict

Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.

The salary gap between Hartford and Waterbury is $3,917 (4.30%). Hartford's median is +12.68% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $41,337,Waterbury spans $44,084. Waterbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Hartford
P10 (Entry)$70,428
P25$83,579
Median$95,045
P75$105,016
P90 (Top)$111,765
Waterbury
P10 (Entry)$67,007
P25$79,357
Median$91,128
P75$98,867
P90 (Top)$111,091

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($92,505 effective) pays 1.29% more than Waterbury ($91,331 effective).

Hartford
Nominal: $95,045
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $92,505
Waterbury
Nominal: $91,128
CoL Index: 99.778
Adjusted: $91,331

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hartford if…

  • Higher median salary ($95,045/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,765)
  • Larger job market (1,130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,505)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Waterbury if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Hartford grew 43.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.

Hartford, CT

+43.8%

$62,780 (2019) → $90,270 (2025)

Waterbury, CT

+33.7%

$64,750 (2019) → $86,550 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Hartford or Waterbury?

Hartford has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $95,045/year, compared to Waterbury at $91,128/year — a difference of $3,917 (4.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Waterbury?

Hartford radiologic technologist and technicians earn $45.70/hr while Waterbury hygienists earn $43.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hartford to Waterbury as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hartford and Waterbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hartford = $92,505, Waterbury = $91,331), job availability (1,130 vs 410 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Hartford vs Waterbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $70,428 in Hartford and $67,007 in Waterbury. The Hartford 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