Radiography Tech Salary

Kansas City vs Kirkwood: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Kansas City, MO
$82,484
$39.66/hr
Kirkwood, MO
$75,555
$36.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKansas City, MOKirkwood, MO
Median Salary$82,484$75,555
Hourly Rate$39.66$36.33
Entry Level (P10)$58,804$54,395
25th Percentile$68,302$61,463
75th Percentile$89,718$92,417
Top Earner (P90)$104,427$109,148
Total Employed1,8605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kansas City ($82,484) and Kirkwood ($75,555) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.Kansas CityKirkwoodMedian Salary$82,484$75,555Entry Level (P10)$58,804$54,395Top Earner (P90)$104,427$109,148US Median $84,348

Verdict

Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.

The salary gap between Kansas City and Kirkwood is $6,929 (9.17%). Kansas City's median is -2.21% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $45,623,Kirkwood spans $54,753. Kirkwood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Kansas City
P10 (Entry)$58,804
P25$68,302
Median$82,484
P75$89,718
P90 (Top)$104,427
Kirkwood
P10 (Entry)$54,395
P25$61,463
Median$75,555
P75$92,417
P90 (Top)$109,148

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($89,130 effective) pays 5.70% more than Kirkwood ($84,325 effective).

Kansas City
Nominal: $82,484
CoL Index: 92.543
Adjusted: $89,130
Kirkwood
Nominal: $75,555
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $84,325

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kansas City if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,484/year)
  • Larger job market (1,860 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,130)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Kirkwood if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($109,148)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Kansas City grew 36.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Kirkwood over the same period.

Kansas City, MO

+36.0%

$57,600 (2019) → $78,340 (2025)

Kirkwood, MO

+26.2%

$56,872 (2024) → $71,759 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Kansas City or Kirkwood?

Kansas City has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $82,484/year, compared to Kirkwood at $75,555/year — a difference of $6,929 (9.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Kirkwood?

Kansas City radiologic technologist and technicians earn $39.66/hr while Kirkwood hygienists earn $36.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kansas City to Kirkwood as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kansas City and Kirkwood. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kansas City = $89,130, Kirkwood = $84,325), job availability (1,860 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Kansas City vs Kirkwood?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $58,804 in Kansas City and $54,395 in Kirkwood. The Kansas City 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