Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Marana, AZ: $60,410 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Marana, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,410 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marana's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,330 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,418) within a few years of clinical practice.

$60,410
Starting Salary
$29.04/hr
Starting Hourly
$60,410
Entry Level
$87,418
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Marana, Arizona, the starting salary for entry-level positions is projected to be around $60,410 in 2026. This figure reflects an ambitious gap when compared to the city median of $87,418, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations as these professionals embark on their careers. Over the first several years, it’s expected that salaries will increase, with entry-level technologists potentially moving up to $69,644 within a few years, making growth attainable. Given the estimated growth rate of 5.29% within this profession, Marana presents a promising job market for freshly minted graduates looking to establish themselves in the field.

About the Marana Market

Salary estimated from Arizona average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Marana

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$60,410/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$69,644/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$87,418/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$106,311/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marana

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Marana. The median salary is $87,418, compared to the national median of $84,348.$54.4K$73.9K$93.4K$112.9K$132.4K$60.4K10th Pctl$69.6K25th Pctl$87.4KMedian$106.3K75th Pctl$126.1K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Marana, AZ typically start between $60,410 and $69,644 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,683 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,4183.64% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg AZ Program Cost
$60,410
Starting Salary
36.42%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Arizona of $22,000 represents just 36.42% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($60,410/year) in Marana. 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 Marana

  • 1Research the Marana market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $60,410 to $69,644, 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 AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marana, 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 Marana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Marana'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 Marana is $65,683 ( 108.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,410, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,093.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$42,514

2025 BLS Actual

$57,375

2026 Current Est.

$60,410

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Marana (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 Marana. Baseline $42,514 in 2025, projected to $63,606 by 2027.$38.3K$45.7K$53.1K$60.4K$67.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$42.5K$43.2K$48.0K$49.0K$51.3K$50.3K$57.4K$60.4K$63.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$42,514Actual
2020$43,231Actual
2021$48,017Actual
2022$48,950Actual
2023$51,266Actual
2024$50,308Actual
2025$57,375Actual
2026(current)$60,410Estimated
2027$63,606Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Marana, AZ grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,514 in 2019 to $57,375 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,606. New graduates entering the Marana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marana 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 Marana

Local employers predominantly hiring entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians include hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training opportunities, particularly in CT, within the first year or two. Outpatient imaging chains also play a significant role, aiming to recruit cross-trained technologists for diversified roles. Credentialing significantly affects starting pay in Marana; new professionals should ensure they have graduated from a JRCERT-accredited program and secured ARRT certification in radiography. Additionally, pursuing further certifications in modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography represents a strategic career move that can yield higher compensation. Expect salary growth in the first three years to be modest; however, with successful cross-training and skill enhancement, the potential exists for more substantial increases well above initial starting pay levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Marana start at approximately $60,410/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 $29.04/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 Marana?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Marana progress from the entry-level salary of $60,410 to the area median of $87,418 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $126,093 (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 Marana?

With a starting salary of $60,410/year in Marana 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 Marana?

New radiologic technology graduates in Marana typically start near the 10th percentile at $60,410/year, or approximately $29.04/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 Arizona?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Arizona, 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 Arizona, 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 Arizona

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 Marana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Marana 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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