Radiography Tech Salary

Herndon vs Roanoke: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Herndon, VA
$76,140
$36.61/hr
Roanoke, VA
$79,715
$38.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHerndon, VARoanoke, VA
Median Salary$76,140$79,715
Hourly Rate$36.61$38.33
Entry Level (P10)$59,355$54,519
25th Percentile$65,189$66,975
75th Percentile$89,385$84,959
Top Earner (P90)$102,881$98,773
Total Employed5340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Herndon ($76,140) and Roanoke ($79,715) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.HerndonRoanokeMedian Salary$76,140$79,715Entry Level (P10)$59,355$54,519Top Earner (P90)$102,881$98,773US Median $84,348

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Herndon and Roanoke is $3,575 (4.70%). Roanoke's median is -5.49% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Herndon spans $43,526,Roanoke spans $44,254. Roanoke has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Herndon
P10 (Entry)$59,355
P25$65,189
Median$76,140
P75$89,385
P90 (Top)$102,881
Roanoke
P10 (Entry)$54,519
P25$66,975
Median$79,715
P75$84,959
P90 (Top)$98,773

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($85,149 effective) pays 15.41% more than Herndon ($73,779 effective).

Herndon
Nominal: $76,140
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $73,779
Roanoke
Nominal: $79,715
CoL Index: 93.618
Adjusted: $85,149

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Herndon if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,881)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Roanoke if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,715/year)
  • Larger job market (340 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,149)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Herndon grew 6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Roanoke over the same period.

Herndon, VA

+6.9%

$67,669 (2024) → $72,315 (2025)

Roanoke, VA

+40.5%

$53,870 (2019) → $75,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Herndon or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $79,715/year, compared to Herndon at $76,140/year — a difference of $3,575 (4.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Herndon and Roanoke?

Herndon radiologic technologist and technicians earn $36.61/hr while Roanoke hygienists earn $38.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Herndon to Roanoke as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Herndon and Roanoke. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Herndon = $73,779, Roanoke = $85,149), job availability (5 vs 340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Herndon vs Roanoke?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $59,355 in Herndon and $54,519 in Roanoke. The Herndon 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