Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Peoria, AZ: $59,194 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Peoria, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,194 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,095 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,603) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Peoria, Arizona, can expect to begin their careers with a starting salary around $59,194 in 2026. This entry-level wage is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $88,603, highlighting a noticeable gap that newcomers must navigate. However, early-career professionals can anticipate steady growth over the first few years, moving from the entry-level P10 wage to approximately $69,177 at the P25 mark. With the local market exhibiting a 5.29% growth rate, Peoria presents a promising environment for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in radiologic technology and potentially surpass the entry-level salary as they gain experience.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Peoria, AZ typically start between $59,194 and $69,177 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,603 — 5.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Arizona of $22,000 represents just 37.17% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($59,194/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $59,194 to $69,177, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $78,140 ( 132.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,194, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,334.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,658
2025 BLS Actual
$56,220
2026 Current Est.
$59,194
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,658 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,051 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,965 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,234 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,194 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,325 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, AZ grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,658 in 2019 to $56,220 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,325. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
In Peoria, several healthcare employers actively recruit new radiologic technology graduates, particularly local hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training in areas such as computed tomography (CT) during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains and orthopedic practices also represent viable options, though the latter typically prefer technicians with hands-on experience. To enhance starting compensation, it is crucial for new grads to hold credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs and pursue ARRT national registration, alongside any necessary state licensure. Continuing education, including additional ARRT modality certifications, can further improve salary prospects. Entry-level professionals should strategically plan for cross-training opportunities in CT, MRI, or mammography, as these specialties offer higher pay, especially in a market like Peoria where competition and consolidation in outpatient imaging are reshaping the employment landscape. With realistic expectations, new radiologic technologists can see their salaries rise significantly within their first few years on the job.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Peoria?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Peoria?
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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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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