Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Benton, AR: $46,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Benton, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,183 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benton's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,145 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,438) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the starting salary for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians is projected at $46,183 in 2026. New graduates can expect to earn significantly less than the city's median annual salary of $66,438. However, there is potential for salary growth within the first few years, as technicians can advance to $53,036 for the 25th percentile and ultimately reach the median as they gain experience. Benton presents a favorable job market for recent graduates entering this field, especially considering a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%. Understanding the local demand and salary expectations is crucial for new professionals looking to establish their careers in radiology.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benton
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 Benton
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Benton, AR typically start between $46,183 and $53,036 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,185 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,438 — 21.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Arkansas of $16,000 represents just 34.64% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($46,183/year) in Benton. 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 Benton
- 1Research the Benton market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $46,183 to $53,036, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benton, 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 Benton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benton's below-average 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 Benton is $48,185 ( 104.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,183, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,368.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,502
2025 BLS Actual
$43,863
2026 Current Est.
$46,183
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,502 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,422 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,193 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,932 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,863 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,626 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Benton, AR grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,502 in 2019 to $43,863 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,626. New graduates entering the Benton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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 Benton
For those entering the profession in Benton, hospitals typically offer the most opportunities for new graduates, often providing paid CT cross-training within the first one to two years on the job. Outpatient imaging centers are also a viable option for fresh graduates, although they may prefer candidates with additional cross-training in various modalities. Fulfilling educational requirements is essential; acquiring an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography is highly encouraged. Continued education and additional credentials can enhance starting pay, particularly in an evolving market where cross-training into CT or MRI is becoming increasingly standard. New grads transitioning into their first roles can expect realistic salary growth over the first three years, making it vital to stay informed about ongoing training and certification opportunities to boost their earning potential in radiologic technology.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Benton in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Benton?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Benton?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Benton?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Arkansas?
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 Benton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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