Radiography Tech Salary

Philadelphia vs State College: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Philadelphia, PA
$84,432
$40.59/hr
State College, PA
$66,807
$32.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhiladelphia, PAState College, PA
Median Salary$84,432$66,807
Hourly Rate$40.59$32.11
Entry Level (P10)$66,933$53,171
25th Percentile$78,578$66,807
75th Percentile$101,626$82,463
Top Earner (P90)$107,964$82,463
Total Employed4,13060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Philadelphia ($84,432) and State College ($66,807) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.PhiladelphiaState CollegeMedian Salary$84,432$66,807Entry Level (P10)$66,933$53,171Top Earner (P90)$107,964$82,463US Median $84,348

Verdict

Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.

The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $17,625 (26.38%). Philadelphia's median is +0.10% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $41,031,State College spans $29,292. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$66,933
P25$78,578
Median$84,432
P75$101,626
P90 (Top)$107,964
State College
P10 (Entry)$53,171
P25$66,807
Median$66,807
P75$82,463
P90 (Top)$82,463

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($82,329 effective) pays 19.24% more than State College ($69,043 effective).

Philadelphia
Nominal: $84,432
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $82,329
State College
Nominal: $66,807
CoL Index: 96.762
Adjusted: $69,043

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,432/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,964)
  • Larger job market (4,130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,329)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose State College if…

  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Philadelphia grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in State College over the same period.

Philadelphia, PA

+34.9%

$59,430 (2019) → $80,190 (2025)

State College, PA

+16.3%

$54,540 (2019) → $63,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Philadelphia or State College?

Philadelphia has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $84,432/year, compared to State College at $66,807/year — a difference of $17,625 (26.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?

Philadelphia radiologic technologist and technicians earn $40.59/hr while State College hygienists earn $32.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Philadelphia and State College. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Philadelphia = $82,329, State College = $69,043), job availability (4,130 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Philadelphia vs State College?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $66,933 in Philadelphia and $53,171 in State College. The Philadelphia 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