Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Daly City, CA: $79,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Daly City, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,310 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daly City's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,124 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,224) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, those embarking on careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Daly City, CA can expect starting salaries around $79,310. While this entry-level figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $118,224, it reflects a typical entry point for new graduates in a rewarding field. New professionals will likely see their earnings grow over the first few years of their careers, progressing from the P10 salary to the P25 range of $92,910. This growth trajectory offers promising prospects for those entering the workforce in 2026, making Daly City an attractive job market for freshly minted graduates seeking to establish themselves in radiologic technology.
About the Daly City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daly City
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 Daly City
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Daly City, CA typically start between $79,310 and $92,910 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,377 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,224 — 40.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 35.30% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($79,310/year) in Daly City. 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 Daly City
- 1Research the Daly City market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $79,310 to $92,910, 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 Daly City, 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 Daly City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Daly City'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 Daly City is $94,377 ( 119.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,310, experienced hygienists can earn up to $173,687.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,814
2025 BLS Actual
$75,325
2026 Current Est.
$79,310
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Daly City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,505 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Daly City, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,814 in 2019 to $75,325 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,505. New graduates entering the Daly City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daly City 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 Daly City
Employers across Daly City actively seek out new graduates in radiologic technology, with hospitals typically offering initial positions that often include opportunities for paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities like CT or MRI. Outpatient imaging facilities also welcome candidates, especially those equipped with certifications and credentials from accredited programs. To enhance starting pay, new technologists should pursue an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree from a JRCERT-accredited institution, obtain ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and secure any necessary state licenses. As the field increasingly values cross-training into areas such as mammography, aspiring radiologic technologists should strategically consider gaining additional certifications early in their careers. This approach can lead to more significant salary increases as they transition from entry-level roles. Given the projected salary growth in these initial years, proactive career planning and continuous education will prove beneficial for new grad radiologic technologists in this competitive market.
More salary data for Daly City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Daly City in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Daly City?
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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 Daly City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daly City 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