Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in San Bernardino, CA: $70,171 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the San Bernardino, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,171 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out San Bernardino's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,043 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,891) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in San Bernardino, California can expect starting salaries around $70,171, significantly lower than the city median of $110,891. This entry-level salary, indicative of positions just out of training, reflects the starting point for a promising career path. While the initial pay may seem modest, there exists a clear progression potential, as those who gain experience can see their earnings rise to the 25th percentile rate of $90,444 within a few years. This growth trajectory, coupled with an annual growth rate of 5.29%, illustrates that San Bernardino is a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers in radiologic technology.
About the San Bernardino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in San Bernardino
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 San Bernardino
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in San Bernardino, CA typically start between $70,171 and $90,444 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,711 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,891 — 31.47% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 39.90% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($70,171/year) in San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino
- 1Research the San Bernardino market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $70,171 to $90,444, 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 San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is $101,711 ( 144.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,171, experienced hygienists can earn up to $171,882.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,383
2025 BLS Actual
$66,645
2026 Current Est.
$70,171
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,859 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,171 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,883 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in San Bernardino, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,383 in 2019 to $66,645 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,883. New graduates entering the San Bernardino job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino
Employers across San Bernardino that commonly hire new graduates include local hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT during the first one to two years of employment. Additionally, outpatient imaging centers actively seek cross-trained technicians, while specialty practices like orthopedics may prioritize hiring experienced staff who can efficiently handle extremity work. To boost starting pay, aspiring technologists should pursue credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and strive for ARRT national registration in radiography. Continuing education through additional ARRT modality certifications can further enhance career prospects. In an industry evolving through outpatient imaging chain consolidation, focusing on cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography is a strategic move for higher compensation. Realistically, within the first three years, graduates can expect their salaries to climb significantly, especially if they increase their qualifications and experience in these sought-after specialties.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in San Bernardino in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in San Bernardino?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in San Bernardino?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in San Bernardino?
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 San Bernardino. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Bernardino 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