Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Baldwin Park, CA: $80,542 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Baldwin Park, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,542 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Baldwin Park's local price level (BEA RPP 113.113% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,213 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,307) within a few years of clinical practice.

$80,542
Starting Salary
$38.73/hr
Starting Hourly
$80,542
Entry Level
$112,307
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Entering the profession of radiologic technologist and technician in Baldwin Park, California, offers an starting salary of approximately $80,542, which may serve as a starting point for new graduates. This figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $112,307, revealing a potential gap that early-career professionals must navigate. However, with experience and skill development, individuals can expect to see their income progress from entry-level rates through the 25th percentile around $89,191 and eventually towards the median as they establish their careers over the first three to five years. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare job market in Baldwin Park, coupled with a projected growth rate of 5.29%, it is a promising time for new graduates seeking opportunities in this field.

About the Baldwin Park Market

Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Baldwin Park

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$80,542/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$89,191/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$112,307/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$138,777/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baldwin Park

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Baldwin Park. The median salary is $112,307, compared to the national median of $84,348.$72.5K$97.9K$123.2K$148.6K$173.9K$80.5K10th Pctl$89.2K25th Pctl$112.3KMedian$138.8K75th Pctl$165.7K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Baldwin Park, CA typically start between $80,542 and $89,191 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,116 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,30733.15% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$28,000
Avg CA Program Cost
$80,542
Starting Salary
34.76%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 34.76% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($80,542/year) in Baldwin Park. 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 Baldwin Park

  • 1Research the Baldwin Park market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $80,542 to $89,191, 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 CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Baldwin Park, 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 Baldwin Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Baldwin Park's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range

The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Baldwin Park is $85,116 ( 105.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,542, experienced hygienists can earn up to $165,658.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$56,681

2025 BLS Actual

$76,495

2026 Current Est.

$80,542

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Baldwin Park (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 Baldwin Park. Baseline $56,681 in 2025, projected to $84,802 by 2027.$51.1K$60.9K$70.7K$80.6K$90.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$56.7K$57.6K$64.0K$65.3K$68.4K$77.9K$76.5K$80.5K$84.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$56,681Actual
2020$57,638Actual
2021$64,019Actual
2022$65,263Actual
2023$68,351Actual
2024$77,900Actual
2025$76,495Actual
2026(current)$80,542Estimated
2027$84,802Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Baldwin Park, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,681 in 2019 to $76,495 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,802. New graduates entering the Baldwin Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

For new graduates who aspire to work in Baldwin Park, several employers are keen on hiring entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians. Local hospital systems often recruit graduates, offering opportunities for paid cross-training in modalities such as CT and MR during the first year or two. Outpatient imaging chains also actively seek new techs, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer techs with experience in extremity work. Credentials significantly impact starting salaries; holding an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and having a state license can enhance earning potential. Early in their careers, professionals should focus on cross-training into specialized modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography—these pathways have become essential for higher pay as demand for pure radiography roles tends to compress. With realistic expectations, new graduates can strategically plan their career paths to achieve meaningful salary growth in Baldwin Park over the initial years of practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Baldwin Park start at approximately $80,542/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 $38.72/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 Baldwin Park?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Baldwin Park progress from the entry-level salary of $80,542 to the area median of $112,307 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $165,658 (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 Baldwin Park?

With a starting salary of $80,542/year in Baldwin Park 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 Baldwin Park?

New radiologic technology graduates in Baldwin Park typically start near the 10th percentile at $80,542/year, or approximately $38.72/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 California?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Baldwin Park 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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