Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Atlanta, GA: $54,751 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Atlanta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,751 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Atlanta's local price level (BEA RPP 100.1 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,719 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,980) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Atlanta, GA, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $54,751, which highlights a substantial gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $84,980. For those just beginning their careers, this starting point can be considered a stepping stone, as there is a clear growth trajectory from hourly rates of around $26.32 to more competitive figures within the first few years in the workforce. By gaining experience, entry-level professionals can look forward to advancing to the 25th percentile, which is projected at $67,228, illustrating potential for a solid salary increase as they settle into their roles and enhance their skills. Given Atlanta's expanding healthcare market, particularly with a growth rate of 5.29% annually, the city presents a promising environment for new graduates to begin their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Atlanta
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 Atlanta
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Atlanta, GA typically start between $54,751 and $67,228 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,763 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,980 — 0.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Georgia of $20,000 represents just 36.53% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,751/year) in Atlanta. 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 Atlanta
- 1Research the Atlanta market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,751 to $67,228, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Atlanta, 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 Atlanta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Atlanta'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 Atlanta is $60,763 ( 110.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,751, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,514.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,220
2025 BLS Actual
$52,000
2026 Current Est.
$54,751
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,751 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,647 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Atlanta, GA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,220 in 2019 to $52,000 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,647. New graduates entering the Atlanta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Employers across Atlanta actively seek out entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians, particularly within major hospital systems that often provide opportunities for paid cross-training in techniques such as computed tomography (CT) during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains also recruit new graduates, especially those with cross-training credentials, while orthopedic practices tend to favor those with some experience in extremity work. To maximize their starting pay in Georgia, new graduates should focus on obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, combine it with ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and stay informed about state licensing requirements. Many early-career professionals follow a pathway that includes cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography, allowing for upward mobility and better compensation. Realistic salary growth expectations suggest that within the first three years, professionals can transition into higher-paying roles beyond radiography as they expand their skill set and take advantage of the evolving job market in Atlanta.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Atlanta in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Atlanta?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Atlanta?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Atlanta?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Georgia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Atlanta. 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