Radiography Tech Salary

Lawrence vs Liberal: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Lawrence, KS and Liberal, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lawrence, KS
$66,354
$31.90/hr
Liberal, KS
$71,510
$34.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawrence, KSLiberal, KS
Median Salary$66,354$71,510
Hourly Rate$31.90$34.38
Entry Level (P10)$38,378$55,219
25th Percentile$46,991$60,842
75th Percentile$79,841$83,590
Top Earner (P90)$96,561$102,765
Total Employed704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawrence ($66,354) and Liberal ($71,510) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.LawrenceLiberalMedian Salary$66,354$71,510Entry Level (P10)$38,378$55,219Top Earner (P90)$96,561$102,765US Median $84,348

Verdict

Liberal, KS offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.

The salary gap between Lawrence and Liberal is $5,156 (7.77%). Liberal's median is -15.22% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $58,183,Liberal spans $47,546. Lawrence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lawrence
P10 (Entry)$38,378
P25$46,991
Median$66,354
P75$79,841
P90 (Top)$96,561
Liberal
P10 (Entry)$55,219
P25$60,842
Median$71,510
P75$83,590
P90 (Top)$102,765

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Liberal ($78,669 effective) pays 6.99% more than Lawrence ($73,528 effective).

Lawrence
Nominal: $66,354
CoL Index: 90.243
Adjusted: $73,528
Liberal
Nominal: $71,510
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $78,669

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lawrence if…

  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Liberal if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,510/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($102,765)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,669)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Lawrence grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Liberal over the same period.

Lawrence, KS

+23.4%

$51,050 (2019) → $63,020 (2025)

Liberal, KS

+29.2%

$52,563 (2024) → $67,917 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Lawrence or Liberal?

Liberal has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $71,510/year, compared to Lawrence at $66,354/year — a difference of $5,156 (7.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Liberal?

Lawrence radiologic technologist and technicians earn $31.90/hr while Liberal hygienists earn $34.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawrence to Liberal as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawrence and Liberal. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawrence = $73,528, Liberal = $78,669), job availability (70 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Lawrence vs Liberal?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $38,378 in Lawrence and $55,219 in Liberal. The Liberal 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