Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Glendale, CA: $83,181 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Glendale, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,181 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Glendale's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,546 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,887) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Glendale, CA, is projected to be around $83,181, which positions new graduates at a substantial entry point within the broader salary spectrum for this profession. This figure is notably lower than the overall median of $115,887 for the city, indicating a gap that early career professionals may need to navigate. New grads can expect to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $95,194 as they accumulate experience over their first three to five years. Glendale currently presents a favorable job market for aspiring radiologic technologists, with competitive salaries that exceed the national median of $84,348 by a significant margin of approximately 37.39%. Hence, recent graduates can view Glendale as a promising city for launching their careers in radiologic technology.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Glendale
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 Glendale
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Glendale, CA typically start between $83,181 and $95,194 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,147 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,887 — 37.39% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 33.66% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($83,181/year) in Glendale. 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 Glendale
- 1Research the Glendale market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $83,181 to $95,194, 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Glendale'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 Glendale is $94,147 ( 113.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,181, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,328.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,539
2025 BLS Actual
$79,002
2026 Current Est.
$83,181
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,527 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,117 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,591 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,513 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,002 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,181 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,581 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Glendale, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,539 in 2019 to $79,002 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,581. New graduates entering the Glendale job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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 Glendale
Employers in Glendale that typically hire new graduates in this field include major hospital systems, which often provide opportunities for paid CT cross-training in the initial years of employment. Outpatient imaging centers also seek individuals who are cross-trained, recognizing the value of diverse skill sets in today’s job market. While orthopedic practices generally prefer experienced techs skilled in extremity work, the demand for radiologic technologists remains robust. Holding credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography will significantly enhance earning potential. Additional certifications in modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography are highly regarded, as cross-training into these areas is the standard progression for higher pay. Given the projected growth trajectory in Glendale, new graduates may realistically anticipate salary increases as they refine their skills and accumulate experience, setting the stage for long-term career advancement in the radiologic technology field.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Glendale in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Glendale?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Glendale?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Glendale?
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 Glendale. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glendale 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