Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $75,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Hawthorne, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,037 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hawthorne's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,346 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,812) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Hawthorne, CA, can anticipate a starting radiologic technologist and technician salary around $75,037 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level earnings that are considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $113,812, indicating a gap that new techs should be mindful of as they plan their careers. However, the trajectory for salary growth is promising; within the first few years, new graduates can expect their pay to rise to approximately $94,681 with additional experience and credentials. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow in the area—with an annual growth rate of 5.29%—Hawthorne presents itself as a favorable job market for those recently entering this profession.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hawthorne
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 Hawthorne
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Hawthorne, CA typically start between $75,037 and $94,681 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,909 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,812 — 34.93% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 37.31% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($75,037/year) in Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne
- 1Research the Hawthorne market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $75,037 to $94,681, 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 Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hawthorne'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 Hawthorne is $88,909 ( 118.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,037, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,946.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,807
2025 BLS Actual
$71,267
2026 Current Est.
$75,037
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,699 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,644 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,802 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,679 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,006 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hawthorne, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,807 in 2019 to $71,267 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,006. New graduates entering the Hawthorne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Employers in Hawthorne actively seek out new graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs, primarily within hospital systems and outpatient imaging centers. These facilities often provide paid cross-training opportunities in modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography, enhancing the skill sets of early-career professionals and supporting higher pay potential. To boost starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in CA, new grads should focus on obtaining national registration through the ARRT and consider additional certifications in relevant modalities. Realistically, those in their first three years may see salary increases through fostering experience and transitioning into specialized roles, especially since outpatient imaging chain consolidation has created further opportunities for cross-trained technologists to gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Hawthorne in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Hawthorne?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Hawthorne?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Hawthorne?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in California?
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 Hawthorne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hawthorne 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