Radiography Tech Salary

Pendleton vs Portland: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Pendleton, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pendleton, OR
$101,268
$48.69/hr
Portland, OR
$110,354
$53.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPendleton, ORPortland, OR
Median Salary$101,268$110,354
Hourly Rate$48.69$53.06
Entry Level (P10)$75,040$74,830
25th Percentile$83,623$93,392
75th Percentile$121,956$128,401
Top Earner (P90)$137,960$132,507
Total Employed51,520
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pendleton ($101,268) and Portland ($110,354) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.PendletonPortlandMedian Salary$101,268$110,354Entry Level (P10)$75,040$74,830Top Earner (P90)$137,960$132,507US Median $84,348

Verdict

Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.

The salary gap between Pendleton and Portland is $9,086 (8.97%). Portland's median is +30.83% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $62,920,Portland spans $57,677. Pendleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Pendleton
P10 (Entry)$75,040
P25$83,623
Median$101,268
P75$121,956
P90 (Top)$137,960
Portland
P10 (Entry)$74,830
P25$93,392
Median$110,354
P75$128,401
P90 (Top)$132,507

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($104,679 effective) pays 6.06% more than Pendleton ($98,702 effective).

Pendleton
Nominal: $101,268
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $98,702
Portland
Nominal: $110,354
CoL Index: 105.421
Adjusted: $104,679

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pendleton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($137,960)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,354/year)
  • Larger job market (1,520 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,679)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Pendleton grew 10.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.5% growth in Portland over the same period.

Pendleton, OR

+10.9%

$86,734 (2024) → $96,180 (2025)

Portland, OR

+33.5%

$78,500 (2019) → $104,810 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Pendleton or Portland?

Portland has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $110,354/year, compared to Pendleton at $101,268/year — a difference of $9,086 (8.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and Portland?

Pendleton radiologic technologist and technicians earn $48.69/hr while Portland hygienists earn $53.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pendleton to Portland as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pendleton and Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pendleton = $98,702, Portland = $104,679), job availability (5 vs 1,520 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Pendleton vs Portland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $75,040 in Pendleton and $74,830 in Portland. The Pendleton 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