Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Little Rock, AR: $51,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Little Rock, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,066 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Little Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 89.4 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,144 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,736) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Securing a position as a radiologic technologist or technician in Little Rock, AR, can lead to an attractive starting salary for new graduates. In 2026, entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $51,066 per year, which is considerably lower than the city’s median salary of $77,736. This gap provides a realistic expectation for recent graduates entering the field. However, there is room for growth; individuals can anticipate advancements from entry-level wages to around $63,827 as they gain experience within the first few years. With a projected growth rate of 5.29% annually, Little Rock presents a viable job market for newcomers wishing to establish their careers in radiology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Little Rock
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 Little Rock
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Little Rock, AR typically start between $51,066 and $63,827 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,971 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,736 — 7.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Arkansas of $16,000 represents just 31.33% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,066/year) in Little Rock. 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 Little Rock
- 1Research the Little Rock market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,066 to $63,827, 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 Little Rock, 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 Little Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Little Rock'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 Little Rock is $53,971 ( 105.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,066, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,037.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,750
2025 BLS Actual
$48,500
2026 Current Est.
$51,066
2019–2027 Growth
+46.3%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,767 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Little Rock, AR grew 32.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,750 in 2019 to $48,500 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,767. New graduates entering the Little Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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 Little Rock
Understanding the local job environment is crucial for new grad radiologic technologists and technicians looking to maximize their earning potential in Little Rock. Major hospital systems are among the primary employers for recent graduates, often providing cross-training in Computed Tomography (CT) early in their careers. This added skill set not only increases employability but can also enhance overall salary expectations. Those graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program and holding ARRT national registration in radiography (R) will find more opportunities, as employers tend to favor candidates with these credentials. As the industry shifts towards outpatient imaging chains and the demand for cross-trained professionals grows, entry-level techs who pursue additional ARRT modality certifications in areas like MRI or mammography can expect better long-term compensation. Taking these steps can lead to significant salary growth within their first three years of employment in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Little Rock in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Little Rock?
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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 Little Rock. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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