Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Sacramento, CA: $67,891 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Sacramento, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,891 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sacramento's local price level (BEA RPP 106.7 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,646 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,068) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Radiologic technologists and technicians entering the workforce in Sacramento, CA can expect a starting salary of approximately $67,891 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median of $143,068, it reflects the typical entry-level compensation in the industry. New graduates can see their pay increase as they gain experience, with the potential to earn around $106,596 after honing their skills over the first few years. Sacramento presents a favorable environment for these professionals, given the ongoing demand for radiologic services and a projected growth rate of 5.29% annually, allowing newcomers to build solid careers while bridging the initial salary gap over time.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sacramento
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 Sacramento
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Sacramento, CA typically start between $67,891 and $106,596 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,629 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,068 — 69.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 41.24% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($67,891/year) in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento
- 1Research the Sacramento market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $67,891 to $106,596, 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sacramento's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Sacramento is $113,629 ( 167.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,891, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,520.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,340
2025 BLS Actual
$64,480
2026 Current Est.
$67,891
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,891 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,482 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Sacramento, CA grew 25.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,340 in 2019 to $64,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,482. New graduates entering the Sacramento job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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 Sacramento
In the Sacramento area, healthcare facilities, especially large hospital systems, are the primary employers of new radiologic technologists and technicians. These institutions frequently provide paid cross-training opportunities in critical areas like CT and MRI shortly after hiring, enabling new grads to enhance their capabilities and boost their salaries. Credentials play an instrumental role in establishing a strong foundation; an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and ARRT national registration are often prerequisites. Continuing education and obtaining additional ARRT modality certifications can further elevate starting pay in this competitive market. The first three years in the profession typically involve navigating a career strategy focused on cross-training because pure radiography roles tend to stagnate at the lower end of the pay scale. With the consolidation of outpatient imaging chains shaping the job market, early-career professionals can anticipate realistic growth as they transition into specialized modalities, enhancing both their skill set and earning potential in the process.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Sacramento in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Sacramento?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Sacramento?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Sacramento?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in California?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Sacramento. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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