Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pomona, CA: $81,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pomona, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,238 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pomona's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,828 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,070) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates embarking on a career as radiologic technologists and technicians in Pomona, California, can initially expect a starting salary near $81,238 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level pay, which is notably lower than the city median salary of $119,070, indicating a significant gap of about $37,832. However, new professionals can anticipate a gradual increase as they gain experience, potentially seeing their earnings rise to around $94,605 within the first few years. The job market in Pomona appears promising for recent graduates, especially given the ongoing demand for healthcare services within the region, allowing for steady salary growth as entry-level employees become more proficient and possibly transition into specialized roles.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pomona
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 Pomona
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pomona, CA typically start between $81,238 and $94,605 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,462 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,070 — 41.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 34.47% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($81,238/year) in Pomona. 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 Pomona
- 1Research the Pomona market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $81,238 to $94,605, 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 Pomona, 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 Pomona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Pomona'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 Pomona is $95,462 ( 117.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,238, experienced hygienists can earn up to $176,700.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,171
2025 BLS Actual
$77,156
2026 Current Est.
$81,238
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,136 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,572 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,827 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,156 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,535 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pomona, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,171 in 2019 to $77,156 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,535. New graduates entering the Pomona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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 Pomona
Within this vibrant healthcare landscape, several local employers frequently seek to hire new graduates in this field. Hospital systems often welcome recent graduates and tend to offer structured programs that include paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MRI during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains also play a significant role in recruitment, valuing cross-trained technologists who can adapt to various imaging needs. Strengthening one’s credentials through an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography, and pursuing state licenses where applicable can significantly enhance starting pay and job prospects. In the early stages of their careers, professionals should strategically focus on cross-training opportunities, which are increasingly favored in the market. This strategic approach enables radiologic technicians to boost their earning potential beyond initial salary expectations, while the ongoing consolidation in outpatient services encourages professionals to diversify their skill sets and ascend the pay scale more quickly.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pomona in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Pomona?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pomona?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Pomona?
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 Pomona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pomona 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