Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in McDonough, GA: $51,099 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the McDonough, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,099 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out McDonough's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,886 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,689) within a few years of clinical practice.

$51,099
Starting Salary
$24.56/hr
Starting Hourly
$51,099
Entry Level
$67,689
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For those entering the field of radiologic technology in McDonough, Georgia, new graduates can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $51,099 in 2026. This entry-level figure can feel modest compared to the city median of $67,689, highlighting a significant gap for early-career professionals. However, with experience and additional responsibilities, aspiring techs can see their earnings grow into the P25 bracket of $56,812 within the first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 5.29% annually over the next five years, McDonough presents a favorable job market for new grads eager to kickstart their careers in this dynamic field.

About the McDonough Market

Salary estimated from Georgia average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in McDonough

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$51,099/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$56,812/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$67,689/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$80,593/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McDonough

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in McDonough. The median salary is $67,689, compared to the national median of $84,348.$46.0K$60.2K$74.4K$88.7K$102.9K$51.1K10th Pctl$56.8K25th Pctl$67.7KMedian$80.6K75th Pctl$98.0K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in McDonough, GA typically start between $51,099 and $56,812 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,906 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,68919.75% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg GA Program Cost
$51,099
Starting Salary
39.14%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Georgia of $20,000 represents just 39.14% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,099/year) in McDonough. 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 McDonough

  • 1Research the McDonough market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,099 to $56,812, 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 McDonough, 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 McDonough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5McDonough's below-average 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 McDonough is $46,906 ( 91.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,099, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,005.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$35,961

2025 BLS Actual

$48,532

2026 Current Est.

$51,099

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in McDonough (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 McDonough. Baseline $35,961 in 2025, projected to $53,802 by 2027.$32.4K$38.6K$44.9K$51.1K$57.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.0K$36.6K$40.6K$41.4K$43.4K$43.2K$48.5K$51.1K$53.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$35,961Actual
2020$36,568Actual
2021$40,617Actual
2022$41,406Actual
2023$43,365Actual
2024$43,209Actual
2025$48,532Actual
2026(current)$51,099Estimated
2027$53,802Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in McDonough, GA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,961 in 2019 to $48,532 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,802. New graduates entering the McDonough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McDonough 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 McDonough

After securing a role, entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians can find ample opportunities within McDonough’s healthcare system. Most new graduates find positions with local hospitals, where they often receive comprehensive training, including paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT and MRI in their first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains frequently recruit freshly minted professionals, but opportunities may be limited in orthopedic practices, which tend to prefer more experienced technicians familiar with extremity imaging. To enhance their earning potential, obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, maintaining ARRT registration, and pursuing additional ARRT certifications in specialized modalities are vital steps. Technologists should focus on cross-training early in their careers to avoid stagnation, as pure radiography roles typically yield smaller salary increments. By strategically advancing their skills through on-the-job training and education, new graduates can realistically expect to see an upward trajectory in their salaries beyond their first year in McDonough, aligning closer to the regional median as they progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in McDonough start at approximately $51,099/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 $24.57/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 McDonough?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in McDonough progress from the entry-level salary of $51,099 to the area median of $67,689 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $98,005 (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 McDonough?

With a starting salary of $51,099/year in McDonough 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 McDonough?

New radiologic technology graduates in McDonough typically start near the 10th percentile at $51,099/year, or approximately $24.57/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 Georgia?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Georgia, 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for McDonough 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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