Radiography Tech Salary

Lafayette vs Monroe: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Lafayette, LA and Monroe, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lafayette, LA
$65,038
$31.27/hr
Monroe, LA
$63,237
$30.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLafayette, LAMonroe, LA
Median Salary$65,038$63,237
Hourly Rate$31.27$30.41
Entry Level (P10)$37,578$42,758
25th Percentile$52,750$52,350
75th Percentile$70,629$73,198
Top Earner (P90)$80,642$81,252
Total Employed330160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lafayette ($65,038) and Monroe ($63,237) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.LafayetteMonroeMedian Salary$65,038$63,237Entry Level (P10)$37,578$42,758Top Earner (P90)$80,642$81,252US Median $84,348

Verdict

Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.

The salary gap between Lafayette and Monroe is $1,801 (2.85%). Lafayette's median is -22.89% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $43,064,Monroe spans $38,494. Lafayette has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lafayette
P10 (Entry)$37,578
P25$52,750
Median$65,038
P75$70,629
P90 (Top)$80,642
Monroe
P10 (Entry)$42,758
P25$52,350
Median$63,237
P75$73,198
P90 (Top)$81,252

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Monroe ($75,645 effective) pays 1.43% more than Lafayette ($74,577 effective).

Lafayette
Nominal: $65,038
CoL Index: 87.209
Adjusted: $74,577
Monroe
Nominal: $63,237
CoL Index: 83.597
Adjusted: $75,645

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lafayette if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,038/year)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Monroe if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($81,252)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,645)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Lafayette grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Monroe over the same period.

Lafayette, LA

+32.8%

$46,500 (2019) → $61,770 (2025)

Monroe, LA

+16.9%

$51,380 (2019) → $60,060 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Lafayette or Monroe?

Lafayette has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $65,038/year, compared to Monroe at $63,237/year — a difference of $1,801 (2.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Monroe?

Lafayette radiologic technologist and technicians earn $31.27/hr while Monroe hygienists earn $30.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lafayette to Monroe as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lafayette and Monroe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lafayette = $74,577, Monroe = $75,645), job availability (330 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Lafayette vs Monroe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $37,578 in Lafayette and $42,758 in Monroe. The Monroe 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