Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Santa Clarita, CA: $81,314 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Santa Clarita, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,314 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Santa Clarita's local price level (BEA RPP 113.113% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,896 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,689) within a few years of clinical practice.

$81,314
Starting Salary
$39.09/hr
Starting Hourly
$81,314
Entry Level
$117,689
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Santa Clarita, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Santa Clarita, CA radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the radiologic technologist and technician field in Santa Clarita, the 2026 projected starting pay is set at $81,314. While this figure represents the initial salary for entry-level positions, it places new professionals well below the city's median of $117,689, indicating a considerable gap that newcomers will need to navigate. However, the salary landscape is favorable as individuals gain experience: many can expect to see their salary progress to approximately $94,709 within the first few years. With a growth trajectory of 5.29% annually, Santa Clarita remains a promising market for newcomers, making it a viable location for launching a career in radiologic technology.

About the Santa Clarita Market

Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Santa Clarita

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$81,314/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$94,709/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$117,689/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$149,958/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Clarita

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Santa Clarita. The median salary is $117,689, compared to the national median of $84,348.$73.2K$102.8K$132.4K$161.9K$191.5K$81.3K10th Pctl$94.7K25th Pctl$117.7KMedian$150.0K75th Pctl$182.4K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Santa Clarita, CA typically start between $81,314 and $94,709 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,104 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,68939.53% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Santa Clarita metro area.

Return on Investment

$28,000
Avg CA Program Cost
$81,314
Starting Salary
34.43%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $28,000 represents just 34.43% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($81,314/year) in Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita

  • 1Research the Santa Clarita market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $81,314 to $94,709, 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 Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Santa Clarita'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 Santa Clarita is $101,104 ( 124.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,314, experienced hygienists can earn up to $182,418.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$57,225

2025 BLS Actual

$77,229

2026 Current Est.

$81,314

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Santa Clarita (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita. Baseline $57,225 in 2025, projected to $85,616 by 2027.$51.5K$61.5K$71.4K$81.4K$91.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.2K$58.2K$64.6K$65.9K$69.0K$78.7K$77.2K$81.3K$85.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$57,225Actual
2020$58,191Actual
2021$64,633Actual
2022$65,889Actual
2023$69,007Actual
2024$78,681Actual
2025$77,229Actual
2026(current)$81,314Estimated
2027$85,616Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Santa Clarita, CA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,225 in 2019 to $77,229 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,616. New graduates entering the Santa Clarita job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Clarita metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Santa Clarita

Welcoming new graduates, key employers in Santa Clarita include local hospital systems that frequently pursue fresh talent eager to gain practical experience, often offering paid cross-training opportunities in CT, MRI, or mammography during the first few years of employment. Outpatient imaging chains also hire recent grads, valuing versatility in their candidates, while orthopedic practices often prefer technicians who are more seasoned in extremity exams. To optimize starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in CA, new professionals should focus on attaining their ARRT national registration in radiography and engaging in continuous education, such as additional modality certifications. Furthermore, cross-training in sought-after areas, rather than remaining in pure radiography, is quickly establishing itself as the standard for salary advancement. By the time they reach their third year, many can expect to achieve a significant increase in their salary, particularly if they take advantage of opportunities to gain diverse skill sets and credentials in this ever-evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita start at approximately $81,314/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $39.09/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Santa Clarita?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Clarita progress from the entry-level salary of $81,314 to the area median of $117,689 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $182,418 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Santa Clarita?

With a starting salary of $81,314/year in Santa Clarita and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Santa Clarita?

New radiologic technology graduates in Santa Clarita typically start near the 10th percentile at $81,314/year, or approximately $39.09/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in California?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in California, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including California, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 Santa Clarita. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Santa Clarita is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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