Radiography Tech Salary

Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pittsburgh, PA
$71,460
$34.36/hr
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$76,493
$36.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPittsburgh, PAWilkes-Barre, PA
Median Salary$71,460$76,493
Hourly Rate$34.36$36.78
Entry Level (P10)$58,088$53,748
25th Percentile$65,248$61,488
75th Percentile$83,474$92,848
Top Earner (P90)$97,130$109,328
Total Employed1,35011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pittsburgh ($71,460) and Wilkes-Barre ($76,493) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.PittsburghWilkes-BarreMedian Salary$71,460$76,493Entry Level (P10)$58,088$53,748Top Earner (P90)$97,130$109,328US Median $84,348

Verdict

Wilkes-Barre, PA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.

The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre is $5,033 (7.04%). Wilkes-Barre's median is -9.31% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $39,042,Wilkes-Barre spans $55,580. Wilkes-Barre has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$58,088
P25$65,248
Median$71,460
P75$83,474
P90 (Top)$97,130
Wilkes-Barre
P10 (Entry)$53,748
P25$61,488
Median$76,493
P75$92,848
P90 (Top)$109,328

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilkes-Barre ($78,535 effective) pays 4.04% more than Pittsburgh ($75,482 effective).

Pittsburgh
Nominal: $71,460
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $75,482
Wilkes-Barre
Nominal: $76,493
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $78,535

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Larger job market (1,350 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Wilkes-Barre if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,493/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($109,328)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,535)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Pittsburgh grew 35.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.

Pittsburgh, PA

+35.7%

$50,000 (2019) → $67,870 (2025)

Wilkes-Barre, PA

+5.3%

$69,012 (2024) → $72,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre?

Wilkes-Barre has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $76,493/year, compared to Pittsburgh at $71,460/year — a difference of $5,033 (7.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre?

Pittsburgh radiologic technologist and technicians earn $34.36/hr while Wilkes-Barre hygienists earn $36.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pittsburgh = $75,482, Wilkes-Barre = $78,535), job availability (1,350 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $58,088 in Pittsburgh and $53,748 in Wilkes-Barre. The Pittsburgh 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