Radiography Tech Salary

Joplin vs Springfield: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Joplin, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Joplin, MO
$75,777
$36.43/hr
Springfield, MO
$67,186
$32.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJoplin, MOSpringfield, MO
Median Salary$75,777$67,186
Hourly Rate$36.43$32.30
Entry Level (P10)$43,116$41,284
25th Percentile$59,826$61,437
75th Percentile$84,042$83,105
Top Earner (P90)$94,129$100,573
Total Employed230540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Joplin ($75,777) and Springfield ($67,186) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.JoplinSpringfieldMedian Salary$75,777$67,186Entry Level (P10)$43,116$41,284Top Earner (P90)$94,129$100,573US Median $84,348

Verdict

Joplin and Springfield are closely matched on overall radiologic technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Joplin and Springfield is $8,591 (12.79%). Joplin's median is -10.16% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joplin spans $51,013,Springfield spans $59,289. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Joplin
P10 (Entry)$43,116
P25$59,826
Median$75,777
P75$84,042
P90 (Top)$94,129
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$41,284
P25$61,437
Median$67,186
P75$83,105
P90 (Top)$100,573

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Joplin ($88,403 effective) pays 16.56% more than Springfield ($75,844 effective).

Joplin
Nominal: $75,777
CoL Index: 85.718
Adjusted: $88,403
Springfield
Nominal: $67,186
CoL Index: 88.585
Adjusted: $75,844

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Joplin if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,777/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,403)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($100,573)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Joplin grew 46.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Joplin, MO

+46.0%

$49,280 (2019) → $71,970 (2025)

Springfield, MO

+30.5%

$48,910 (2019) → $63,810 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Joplin or Springfield?

Joplin has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $75,777/year, compared to Springfield at $67,186/year — a difference of $8,591 (12.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Joplin and Springfield?

Joplin radiologic technologist and technicians earn $36.43/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $32.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Joplin to Springfield as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Joplin and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Joplin = $88,403, Springfield = $75,844), job availability (230 vs 540 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Joplin vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $43,116 in Joplin and $41,284 in Springfield. The Joplin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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