Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Gilroy, CA: $78,276 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Gilroy, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,276 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gilroy's local price level (BEA RPP 113.113% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,210 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,235) within a few years of clinical practice.

$78,276
Starting Salary
$37.63/hr
Starting Hourly
$78,276
Entry Level
$115,235
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, those entering the field of radiologic technology in Gilroy can expect an entry-level salary starting around $78,276. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $115,235, indicating the room for growth as new graduates gain experience and accumulate more skills over time. For many entry-level positions, the salary may increase to approximately $90,677 within the first few years, allowing individuals to close the gap towards the median. In terms of market demand, Gilroy currently represents a promising location for new graduates, as the projected annual growth rate of 5.29% suggests a sustainable need for professionals in this sector.

About the Gilroy Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Gilroy

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$78,276/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$90,677/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$115,235/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$138,945/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilroy

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Gilroy. The median salary is $115,235, compared to the national median of $84,348.$70.4K$99.1K$127.7K$156.4K$185.0K$78.3K10th Pctl$90.7K25th Pctl$115.2KMedian$138.9K75th Pctl$176.2K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Gilroy, CA typically start between $78,276 and $90,677 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $97,914 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,23536.62% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$28,000
Avg CA Program Cost
$78,276
Starting Salary
35.77%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 35.77% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($78,276/year) in Gilroy. 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 Gilroy

  • 1Research the Gilroy market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $78,276 to $90,677, 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 Gilroy, 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 Gilroy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Gilroy'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 Gilroy is $97,914 ( 125.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,276, experienced hygienists can earn up to $176,190.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$55,087

2025 BLS Actual

$74,343

2026 Current Est.

$78,276

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Gilroy (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 Gilroy. Baseline $55,087 in 2025, projected to $82,417 by 2027.$49.6K$59.2K$68.8K$78.3K$87.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$55.1K$56.0K$62.2K$63.4K$66.4K$75.6K$74.3K$78.3K$82.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$55,087Actual
2020$56,016Actual
2021$62,218Actual
2022$63,427Actual
2023$66,428Actual
2024$75,559Actual
2025$74,343Actual
2026(current)$78,276Estimated
2027$82,417Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Gilroy, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,087 in 2019 to $74,343 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,417. New graduates entering the Gilroy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Gilroy often seek new graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs to fill radiologic technologist and technician positions. Major hospital systems frequently hire entry-level techs, many of whom will receive paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MRI within their first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers are also active in recruiting fresh talent, especially for cross-trained roles, while orthopedic practices typically prefer candidates with some experience in extremity imaging. To enhance their marketability and starting pay in California, newly minted professionals should focus on obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and pursue state-specific licensure where applicable. Those who aim for further certifications in various ARRT modalities can manage better salary growth as they gain experience. Realistically, individuals can expect their salaries to progress steadily over their first three years, especially for those who invest time in cross-training and gain exposure to multiple imaging technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Gilroy start at approximately $78,276/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 $37.63/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 Gilroy?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Gilroy progress from the entry-level salary of $78,276 to the area median of $115,235 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $176,190 (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 Gilroy?

With a starting salary of $78,276/year in Gilroy 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 Gilroy?

New radiologic technology graduates in Gilroy typically start near the 10th percentile at $78,276/year, or approximately $37.63/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 Gilroy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Gilroy 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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