Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Chico, CA: $51,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Chico, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,487 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chico's local price level (BEA RPP 101.2 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,878 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,449) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For aspiring radiologic technologists and technicians in Chico, California, the projected entry-level salary for 2026 is $51,487. This starting pay represents a considerable gap from the median salary of $108,449 for the region, indicating that new graduates may initially encounter a steep earning curve as they establish themselves in their careers. However, the growth potential is promising; with time and experience, salaries can increase significantly, moving towards the P25 figure of $61,142, and potentially reaching the median within just a few years. Given the competitive job market in Chico, it currently offers a favorable environment for recent graduates eager to break into the field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chico
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 Chico
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Chico, CA typically start between $51,487 and $61,142 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,612 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,449 — 28.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 54.38% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,487/year) in Chico. 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 Chico
- 1Research the Chico market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,487 to $61,142, 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 Chico, 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 Chico for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chico's moderate 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 Chico is $88,612 ( 172.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,487, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,099.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,880
2025 BLS Actual
$48,900
2026 Current Est.
$51,487
2019–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,210 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Chico, CA grew 11.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,880 in 2019 to $48,900 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,210. New graduates entering the Chico job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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 Chico
Employers in Chico that typically hire new graduates include major hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training opportunities in modalities like CT within the first couple of years. Additionally, outpatient imaging chains are actively seeking cross-trained technologists, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer candidates with experience in extremity imaging. To enhance their earning potential, new grads should pursue credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieve ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and obtain state licensure where applicable. It is advisable for early-career technicians to engage in continuous education and look towards cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography, as these specializations are likely to lead to better pay. In the initial years, while starting salaries may feel modest, with strategic career planning and skill enhancement, there is a clear path for growth in the local market.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Chico in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Chico?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Chico?
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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 Chico. 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