Radiography Tech Salary

Lakeland vs Miami: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Lakeland, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lakeland, FL
$72,555
$34.88/hr
Miami, FL
$83,063
$39.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLakeland, FLMiami, FL
Median Salary$72,555$83,063
Hourly Rate$34.88$39.94
Entry Level (P10)$54,846$54,372
25th Percentile$64,690$66,396
75th Percentile$86,327$91,276
Top Earner (P90)$88,265$108,607
Total Employed5204,630
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lakeland ($72,555) and Miami ($83,063) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.LakelandMiamiMedian Salary$72,555$83,063Entry Level (P10)$54,846$54,372Top Earner (P90)$88,265$108,607US Median $84,348

Verdict

Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.

The salary gap between Lakeland and Miami is $10,508 (14.48%). Miami's median is -1.52% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakeland spans $33,419,Miami spans $54,235. Miami has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Lakeland
P10 (Entry)$54,846
P25$64,690
Median$72,555
P75$86,327
P90 (Top)$88,265
Miami
P10 (Entry)$54,372
P25$66,396
Median$83,063
P75$91,276
P90 (Top)$108,607

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lakeland ($74,690 effective) pays 2.65% more than Miami ($72,763 effective).

Lakeland
Nominal: $72,555
CoL Index: 97.141
Adjusted: $74,690
Miami
Nominal: $83,063
CoL Index: 114.155
Adjusted: $72,763

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lakeland if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,690)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Miami if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,063/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($108,607)
  • Larger job market (4,630 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Lakeland grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.9% growth in Miami over the same period.

Lakeland, FL

+16.0%

$59,410 (2019) → $68,910 (2025)

Miami, FL

+39.9%

$56,390 (2019) → $78,890 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Lakeland or Miami?

Miami has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $83,063/year, compared to Lakeland at $72,555/year — a difference of $10,508 (14.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lakeland and Miami?

Lakeland radiologic technologist and technicians earn $34.88/hr while Miami hygienists earn $39.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lakeland to Miami as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lakeland and Miami. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lakeland = $74,690, Miami = $72,763), job availability (520 vs 4,630 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Lakeland vs Miami?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $54,846 in Lakeland and $54,372 in Miami. The Lakeland 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