Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Sandy Springs, GA: $58,841 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Sandy Springs, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,841 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sandy Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,202 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,642) within a few years of clinical practice.

$58,841
Starting Salary
$28.29/hr
Starting Hourly
$58,841
Entry Level
$86,642
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new graduates looking to start their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Sandy Springs, Georgia, the entry-level pay presents a realistic starting point at about $58,841 annually. This figure lags behind the overall city median salary of $86,642, indicating a potential gap that new techs may need to navigate as they begin their professional journey. However, there is an upward growth trajectory that can be expected over the first three to five years; many new grads can anticipate moving toward the P25 threshold of $68,436 as they gain experience and enhance their skills through work. Given the city's projected job growth rate of 5.29% annually, Sandy Springs is comparatively favorable for emerging professionals eager to embark on a fulfilling career in radiology.

About the Sandy Springs Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Sandy Springs

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$58,841/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$68,436/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$86,642/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$106,525/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sandy Springs

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Sandy Springs. The median salary is $86,642, compared to the national median of $84,348.$53.0K$73.2K$93.5K$113.8K$134.0K$58.8K10th Pctl$68.4K25th Pctl$86.6KMedian$106.5K75th Pctl$127.7K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Sandy Springs, GA typically start between $58,841 and $68,436 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,816 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,6422.72% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg GA Program Cost
$58,841
Starting Salary
33.99%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Georgia of $20,000 represents just 33.99% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,841/year) in Sandy Springs. 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 Sandy Springs

  • 1Research the Sandy Springs market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,841 to $68,436, 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 Sandy Springs, 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 Sandy Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Sandy Springs'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 Sandy Springs is $68,816 ( 116.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,841, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,657.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$41,410

2025 BLS Actual

$55,885

2026 Current Est.

$58,841

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Sandy Springs (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 Sandy Springs. Baseline $41,410 in 2025, projected to $61,954 by 2027.$37.3K$44.5K$51.7K$58.9K$66.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.4K$42.1K$46.8K$47.7K$49.9K$41.4K$55.9K$58.8K$62.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$41,410Actual
2020$42,108Actual
2021$46,770Actual
2022$47,679Actual
2023$49,935Actual
2024$41,447Actual
2025$55,885Actual
2026(current)$58,841Estimated
2027$61,954Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Sandy Springs, GA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,410 in 2019 to $55,885 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,954. New graduates entering the Sandy Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Sandy Springs that commonly hire fresh graduates include major hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in CT for those in their first year or two. Outpatient imaging centers are also significant recruiters, favoring cross-trained techs for a broader skill set. In this competitive climate, continued education can significantly boost starting radiologic technologist and technician salaries in GA. Earning credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieving ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and maintaining state licensure where applicable are essential steps for new grads. Many professionals choose to cross-train in modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography to enhance their marketability and salary prospects, as pure radiography roles tend to become saturated. Over the initial years in the position, newcomers can expect salary increases as they transition into these more specialized roles, leveraging the industry dynamics and support from organizations like the ASRT and ARRT to further their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Sandy Springs start at approximately $58,841/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 $28.29/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 Sandy Springs?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Sandy Springs progress from the entry-level salary of $58,841 to the area median of $86,642 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $127,657 (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 Sandy Springs?

With a starting salary of $58,841/year in Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs?

New radiologic technology graduates in Sandy Springs typically start near the 10th percentile at $58,841/year, or approximately $28.29/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 Sandy Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Sandy Springs 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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