Radiography Tech Salary

Puyallup vs Seattle: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Puyallup, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Puyallup, WA
$96,071
$46.19/hr
Seattle, WA
$110,765
$53.26/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPuyallup, WASeattle, WA
Median Salary$96,071$110,765
Hourly Rate$46.19$53.26
Entry Level (P10)$71,498$84,348
25th Percentile$79,875$98,404
75th Percentile$119,183$136,635
Top Earner (P90)$138,129$141,320
Total Employed102,130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Puyallup ($96,071) and Seattle ($110,765) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.PuyallupSeattleMedian Salary$96,071$110,765Entry Level (P10)$71,498$84,348Top Earner (P90)$138,129$141,320US Median $84,348

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Puyallup.

The salary gap between Puyallup and Seattle is $14,694 (15.29%). Seattle's median is +31.32% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Puyallup spans $66,631,Seattle spans $56,972. Puyallup has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Puyallup
P10 (Entry)$71,498
P25$79,875
Median$96,071
P75$119,183
P90 (Top)$138,129
Seattle
P10 (Entry)$84,348
P25$98,404
Median$110,765
P75$136,635
P90 (Top)$141,320

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($99,669 effective) pays 11.42% more than Puyallup ($89,452 effective).

Puyallup
Nominal: $96,071
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $89,452
Seattle
Nominal: $110,765
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $99,669

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Puyallup if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,765/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($141,320)
  • Larger job market (2,130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,669)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Puyallup grew -3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.

Puyallup, WA

+-3.6%

$94,613 (2024) → $91,244 (2025)

Seattle, WA

+40.5%

$74,870 (2019) → $105,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Puyallup or Seattle?

Seattle has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $110,765/year, compared to Puyallup at $96,071/year — a difference of $14,694 (15.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Puyallup and Seattle?

Puyallup radiologic technologist and technicians earn $46.19/hr while Seattle hygienists earn $53.26/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Puyallup to Seattle as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Puyallup and Seattle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Puyallup = $89,452, Seattle = $99,669), job availability (10 vs 2,130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Puyallup vs Seattle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $71,498 in Puyallup and $84,348 in Seattle. The Seattle 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