Radiography Tech Salary

Salem vs Springfield: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Salem, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Salem, MA
$96,981
$46.62/hr
Springfield, MA
$87,686
$42.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSalem, MASpringfield, MA
Median Salary$96,981$87,686
Hourly Rate$46.62$42.16
Entry Level (P10)$73,058$55,056
25th Percentile$81,379$74,882
75th Percentile$115,360$94,845
Top Earner (P90)$143,787$111,397
Total Employed8390
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Salem ($96,981) and Springfield ($87,686) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.SalemSpringfieldMedian Salary$96,981$87,686Entry Level (P10)$73,058$55,056Top Earner (P90)$143,787$111,397US Median $84,348

Verdict

Salem, MA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.

The salary gap between Salem and Springfield is $9,295 (10.60%). Salem's median is +14.98% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $70,729,Springfield spans $56,341. Salem has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Salem
P10 (Entry)$73,058
P25$81,379
Median$96,981
P75$115,360
P90 (Top)$143,787
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$55,056
P25$74,882
Median$87,686
P75$94,845
P90 (Top)$111,397

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($91,282 effective) pays 2.12% more than Salem ($89,383 effective).

Salem
Nominal: $96,981
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $89,383
Springfield
Nominal: $87,686
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $91,282

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Salem if…

  • Higher median salary ($96,981/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($143,787)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,282)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Salem grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Salem, MA

+0.1%

$91,997 (2024) → $92,108 (2025)

Springfield, MA

+32.7%

$62,770 (2019) → $83,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Salem or Springfield?

Salem has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $96,981/year, compared to Springfield at $87,686/year — a difference of $9,295 (10.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Springfield?

Salem radiologic technologist and technicians earn $46.62/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $42.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Salem to Springfield as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Salem and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Salem = $89,383, Springfield = $91,282), job availability (8 vs 390 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Salem vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $73,058 in Salem and $55,056 in Springfield. The Salem 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