Radiography Tech Salary

Nashville vs Smyrna: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Nashville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Nashville, TN
$80,494
$38.70/hr
Smyrna, TN
$69,677
$33.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNashville, TNSmyrna, TN
Median Salary$80,494$69,677
Hourly Rate$38.70$33.50
Entry Level (P10)$60,510$48,498
25th Percentile$65,901$55,704
75th Percentile$87,496$86,521
Top Earner (P90)$105,037$100,848
Total Employed1,45012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Nashville ($80,494) and Smyrna ($69,677) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.NashvilleSmyrnaMedian Salary$80,494$69,677Entry Level (P10)$60,510$48,498Top Earner (P90)$105,037$100,848US Median $84,348

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.

The salary gap between Nashville and Smyrna is $10,817 (15.52%). Nashville's median is -4.57% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $44,527,Smyrna spans $52,350. Smyrna has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Nashville
P10 (Entry)$60,510
P25$65,901
Median$80,494
P75$87,496
P90 (Top)$105,037
Smyrna
P10 (Entry)$48,498
P25$55,704
Median$69,677
P75$86,521
P90 (Top)$100,848

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($83,554 effective) pays 10.08% more than Smyrna ($75,901 effective).

Nashville
Nominal: $80,494
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $83,554
Smyrna
Nominal: $69,677
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $75,901

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,494/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,037)
  • Larger job market (1,450 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,554)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Smyrna if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Nashville grew 49.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Smyrna over the same period.

Nashville, TN

+49.3%

$51,220 (2019) → $76,450 (2025)

Smyrna, TN

+15.0%

$57,530 (2024) → $66,176 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Nashville or Smyrna?

Nashville has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $80,494/year, compared to Smyrna at $69,677/year — a difference of $10,817 (15.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Smyrna?

Nashville radiologic technologist and technicians earn $38.70/hr while Smyrna hygienists earn $33.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Nashville to Smyrna as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Nashville and Smyrna. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Nashville = $83,554, Smyrna = $75,901), job availability (1,450 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Nashville vs Smyrna?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $60,510 in Nashville and $48,498 in Smyrna. The Nashville 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