Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Chino, CA: $81,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Chino, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,006 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chino's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,623 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($116,467) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the radiologic technologist and technician field in Chino, California, should prepare for a starting salary around $81,006 in 2026. While this figure is below the city’s median salary of $116,467, it provides a solid foundation for new professionals looking to grow their careers. Entry-level positions typically offer upward mobility, with the potential for salaries to rise to $93,155 (P25) or even the city median within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, Chino presents a viable market for entry-level radiologic technologists. The increased demand for qualified professionals means that recent graduates can expect to find opportunities that support their career progression early on.
About the Chino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chino
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 Chino
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Chino, CA typically start between $81,006 and $93,155 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $87,639 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $116,467 — 38.08% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 34.57% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($81,006/year) in Chino. 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 Chino
- 1Research the Chino market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $81,006 to $93,155, 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 Chino, 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 Chino for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Chino'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 Chino is $87,639 ( 108.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,006, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,645.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,008
2025 BLS Actual
$76,936
2026 Current Est.
$81,006
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Chino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,388 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,639 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,745 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,936 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,291 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Chino, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,008 in 2019 to $76,936 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,291. New graduates entering the Chino job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chino 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 Chino
In Chino, the primary employers of new graduates include hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training programs in modalities like CT or MRI within the first two years. Outpatient imaging chains also actively recruit new techs, but orthopedic practices tend to prefer candidates with prior experience in extremity work. Achieving a competitive edge in salary often depends on credentials; graduates are encouraged to obtain an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from JRCERT-accredited programs and to achieve ARRT national registration in radiography (R). Additional certifications can further enhance earning potential as radiologic professionals typically aim to transition into specialized roles early in their careers. Realistically, first-year salaries may remain close to entry-level figures, but those who pursue cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography can expect higher compensation in subsequent years, as pure radiography roles often face compression at the lower end of the salary scale. As outpatient imaging chains consolidate, the job landscape will continue to evolve, underscoring the value of ongoing professional development through organizations like ASRT and ARRT.
More salary data for Chino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Chino?
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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 Chino. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chino 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