Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Burbank, CA: $75,149 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Burbank, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,149 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burbank's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,445 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,766) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary projects to start at around $75,149 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $113,766. This significant gap illustrates that new graduates will have room for salary growth over the first few years of their careers; subsequent years can see their earnings rise to approximately $88,519 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median as they gain experience. Given the city's demand for healthcare professionals, Burbank currently presents a favorable job market for fresh graduates looking to embark on their radiologic technology careers. Those entering this field can expect the potential for financial advancement, especially as they move through the early stages of their careers, hence making this a promising place for starting a profession in radiologic technology.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burbank
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 Burbank
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Burbank, CA typically start between $75,149 and $88,519 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,700 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,766 — 34.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 37.26% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($75,149/year) in Burbank. 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 Burbank
- 1Research the Burbank market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $75,149 to $88,519, 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 Burbank, 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 Burbank for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Burbank'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 Burbank is $94,700 ( 126.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,149, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,849.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,886
2025 BLS Actual
$71,373
2026 Current Est.
$75,149
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,373 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,149 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,124 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Burbank, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,886 in 2019 to $71,373 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,124. New graduates entering the Burbank job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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 Burbank
To secure employment in Burbank, new graduates should target established hospital systems, which frequently hire entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians. Many hospitals offer paid cross-training programs in computed tomography (CT), which allow new hires to enhance their skills during the crucial first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices might also present job opportunities; however, these roles often prefer candidates with some experience. Having an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT national registration can significantly enhance one's prospects and starting pay in California. Continuing education, such as earning additional ARRT modality certifications, is advised to facilitate career advancement. In this evolving industry, realistic salary growth expectations for new grads in their first three years could see significant increases, particularly with the standard path of cross-training into specialized areas like CT, MRI, or mammography—a strategy that often leads to more lucrative opportunities in the rapidly shifting health care market.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Burbank in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Burbank?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Burbank?
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How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in California?
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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 Burbank. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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