Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Daytona Beach, FL: $48,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Daytona Beach, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,739 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daytona Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,352 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,253) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates embarking on their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Daytona Beach can expect to start with salaries around $48,739 in 2026. This entry-level figure signifies an essential starting point, but when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $68,253, the gap becomes clear. Over the first three to five years, new professionals can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience and potentially move into higher-paying positions, with the possibility of reaching about $55,542 as they progress to the 25th percentile. For those considering a future in this field right now, Daytona Beach remains a viable market, offering a solid balance of entry-level opportunities and ample scope for growth within local healthcare facilities.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daytona Beach
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 Daytona Beach
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Daytona Beach, FL typically start between $48,739 and $55,542 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,122 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,253 — 19.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Florida of $20,000 represents just 41.03% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($48,739/year) in Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach
- 1Research the Daytona Beach market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $48,739 to $55,542, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daytona Beach, 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 Daytona Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Daytona Beach'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 Daytona Beach is $54,122 ( 111.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,739, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,861.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,300
2025 BLS Actual
$46,290
2026 Current Est.
$48,739
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Daytona Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,493 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,362 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,962 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,317 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Daytona Beach, FL grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,300 in 2019 to $46,290 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,317. New graduates entering the Daytona Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach
For new graduates in this profession, the majority of employers in Daytona Beach that hire entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians are hospital systems, which often provide paid training for cross-training in CT or MRI during the first few years. Outpatient imaging centers also actively recruit new grads, particularly those who have additional certifications. Credentials are vital for starting salaries in FL; obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, earning ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and acquiring any necessary state licensing can enhance earning potential significantly. As industry trends lean towards cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography, new graduates should focus on developing these skills to boost their salary prospects. While the path in pure radiography may see slower pay growth, navigating early career opportunities with cross-training will maximize chances for higher pay within the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Daytona Beach in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Daytona Beach?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Daytona Beach?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Daytona Beach?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Florida?
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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 Daytona Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daytona Beach 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