Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $63,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Fairbanks, AK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,916 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fairbanks's local price level (BEA RPP 106.1 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,241 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,764) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, those entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairbanks, AK, can expect a starting salary around $63,916. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $88,764, it represents a solid foundation for new graduates stepping into their first roles. Over the course of the first few years, as entry-level professionals gain experience and potentially pursue additional certifications, they can realistically see their salaries rise, aiming for the next tier at $72,216 within a few years. Given Fairbanks' projected growth rate of 5.29% in this sector, new graduates will find a favorable job market that supports their climb towards more lucrative positions.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fairbanks
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Fairbanks, AK typically start between $63,916 and $72,216 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,327 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,764 — 5.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Alaska of $26,000 represents just 40.68% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($63,916/year) in Fairbanks. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Fairbanks
- 1Research the Fairbanks market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $63,916 to $72,216, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in AK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fairbanks, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Fairbanks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fairbanks's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Fairbanks is $64,327 ( 100.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,916, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,243.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,250
2025 BLS Actual
$60,705
2026 Current Est.
$63,916
2019–2027 Growth
+28.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,705 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,297 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Fairbanks, AK grew 16.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,250 in 2019 to $60,705 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,297. New graduates entering the Fairbanks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, several employers actively seek to hire newly graduated radiologic technologists. Major hospital systems are notable for offering new rad tech graduates paid training, often providing CT cross-training within the first two years of employment. Outpatient imaging chains tend to prefer cross-trained techs, while orthopedic practices generally look for those with experience in extremity imaging. Earning credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and, if applicable, a state license can enhance starting pay in Alaska. For those in their initial years, pursuing cross-training in modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography could become a strategic move since roles focused solely on radiography often find themselves at the lower end of the salary spectrum. As outpatient imaging chains continue to consolidate, the demand for versatile technologists who possess multiple certifications is likely to rise, making 2026 an opportune time for new graduates aiming to increase their earning potential beyond their entry-level positions.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairbanks in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Fairbanks?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Fairbanks?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Fairbanks?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Alaska?
Related Pages
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Fairbanks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairbanks is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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