Radiography Tech Salary

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 106.16% 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.

$63,916
Starting Salary
$30.73/hr
Starting Hourly
$63,916
Entry Level
$88,764
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Fairbanks, AK — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Fairbanks, AK radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$63,916/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$72,216/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$88,764/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$108,581/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Fairbanks. The median salary is $88,764, compared to the national median of $84,348.$57.5K$76.8K$96.1K$115.4K$134.7K$63.9K10th Pctl$72.2K25th Pctl$88.8KMedian$108.6K75th Pctl$128.2K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

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 $88,7645.24% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Fairbanks metro area.

Return on Investment

$26,000
Avg AK Program Cost
$63,916
Starting Salary
40.68%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairbanks. Baseline $52,250 in 2025, projected to $67,297 by 2027.$40.8K$49.4K$58.1K$66.7K$75.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$52.3K$45.7K$60.5K$59.6K$59.7K$70.4K$60.7K$63.9K$67.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$52,250Actual
2020$45,740Actual
2021$60,550Actual
2022$59,640Actual
2023$59,660Actual
2024$70,370Actual
2025$60,705Actual
2026(current)$63,916Estimated
2027$67,297Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairbanks in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairbanks start at approximately $63,916/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $30.73/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Fairbanks?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairbanks progress from the entry-level salary of $63,916 to the area median of $88,764 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $128,243 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Fairbanks?

With a starting salary of $63,916/year in Fairbanks and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Fairbanks?

New radiologic technology graduates in Fairbanks typically start near the 10th percentile at $63,916/year, or approximately $30.73/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Alaska?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Alaska, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Alaska, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Alaska

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

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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