Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pooler, GA: $47,403 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pooler, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,403 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pooler's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,916 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,378) within a few years of clinical practice.

$47,403
Starting Salary
$22.78/hr
Starting Hourly
$47,403
Entry Level
$69,378
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Pooler, Georgia, can expect a starting salary that reflects their entry-level status. With entry-level positions sitting at around $47,403, this represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $69,378 for the area, creating realistic salary expectations for new grads as they begin their careers. Over the first three to five years, the trajectory of these professionals is promising, with earnings likely shifting from the starting point to about $58,784 before reaching the median. Given the favorable growth rate of 5.29% annually projected for the profession, Pooler offers a promising market for those embarking on their careers in radiologic technology.

About the Pooler Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Pooler

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$47,403/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$58,784/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$69,378/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$83,142/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pooler

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Pooler. The median salary is $69,378, compared to the national median of $84,348.$42.7K$57.5K$72.3K$87.1K$101.9K$47.4K10th Pctl$58.8K25th Pctl$69.4KMedian$83.1K75th Pctl$97.1K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pooler, GA typically start between $47,403 and $58,784 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,655 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,37817.75% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg GA Program Cost
$47,403
Starting Salary
42.19%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Georgia of $20,000 represents just 42.19% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($47,403/year) in Pooler. 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 Pooler

  • 1Research the Pooler market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $47,403 to $58,784, 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 Pooler, 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 Pooler for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Pooler'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 Pooler is $49,655 ( 104.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,403, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,058.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$33,360

2025 BLS Actual

$45,021

2026 Current Est.

$47,403

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pooler (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 Pooler. Baseline $33,360 in 2025, projected to $49,910 by 2027.$30.1K$35.8K$41.6K$47.4K$53.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$33.4K$33.9K$37.7K$38.4K$40.2K$39.9K$45.0K$47.4K$49.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$33,360Actual
2020$33,923Actual
2021$37,678Actual
2022$38,410Actual
2023$40,228Actual
2024$39,937Actual
2025$45,021Actual
2026(current)$47,403Estimated
2027$49,910Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pooler, GA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,360 in 2019 to $45,021 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,910. New graduates entering the Pooler job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Pooler, the primary employers of new graduates in this field are hospital systems, which tend to offer structured programs that often include paid CT cross-training in the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains also recruit entry-level technologists, but they typically look for candidates who are cross-trained. Orthopedic practices mainly prefer experienced technicians with expertise in extremity work. Credentials play a crucial role in boosting starting pay in Georgia; obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and achieving ARRT national registration in radiography are necessary. Moreover, acquiring additional ARRT modality certifications can enhance career prospects. New professionals should consider cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography, as these pathways lead to increased earning potential, especially given the trend toward consolidation in the outpatient imaging sector. Within the first three years, radiologic technologists in Pooler can realistically expect to see their salaries improve significantly, aligning more closely with the established median.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Pooler start at approximately $47,403/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 $22.79/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 Pooler?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Pooler progress from the entry-level salary of $47,403 to the area median of $69,378 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $97,058 (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 Pooler?

With a starting salary of $47,403/year in Pooler 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 Pooler?

New radiologic technology graduates in Pooler typically start near the 10th percentile at $47,403/year, or approximately $22.79/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 Pooler. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Pooler 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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