Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $54,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the North Little Rock, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,739 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Little Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,991 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,588) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in North Little Rock can expect an entry-level salary around $54,739, which significantly trails the overall city median of $76,588. For early-career professionals, this figure provides a clear starting point from which to advance, with expectations of salary growth as they navigate their first few years. It’s realistic for new radiologic technologists and technicians to aim for salaries near the 25th percentile, projected at $62,538, within three to five years as they gain experience and potentially pursue additional certifications. Given the promising annual growth rate of 5.29% for this field, North Little Rock presents a viable market for those embarking on their careers in radiology.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North 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 North Little Rock
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in North Little Rock, AR typically start between $54,739 and $62,538 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,283 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,588 — 9.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Arkansas of $16,000 represents just 29.23% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,739/year) in North 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 North Little Rock
- 1Research the North Little Rock market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,739 to $62,538, 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 North 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 North Little Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Little 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 North Little Rock is $61,283 ( 111.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,739, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,022.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,523
2025 BLS Actual
$51,989
2026 Current Est.
$54,739
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,523 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,173 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,355 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,759 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,989 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,635 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in North Little Rock, AR grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,523 in 2019 to $51,989 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,635. New graduates entering the North Little Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North 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 North Little Rock
Employers in the North Little Rock area primarily include hospitals, outpatient imaging facilities, and specialty practices, all of which are open to hiring recent graduates. Many hospital systems are known for providing paid training opportunities, including cross-training in areas such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shortly after graduation, a strategy that can enhance earning potential. To further boost starting pay, candidates should ensure their educational background includes a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and maintain ARRT national registration in radiography (R). Entering the profession with these credentials can prove advantageous, as new graduates frequently find themselves in positions that streamline their path toward higher earnings through specialization. In the first three years, those who embrace cross-training often see salary increases that outpace traditional radiography roles, as the demand for more versatile technologists continues to shape the job market in Arkansas.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in North Little Rock in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in North Little Rock?
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How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Arkansas?
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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 North Little Rock. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock 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