Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Lewiston, ID: $60,272 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Lewiston, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,272 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lewiston's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,244 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,233) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology and seeking positions in Lewiston, ID, the entry-level salary landscape is promising yet competitive. The starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Lewiston is projected to be around $60,272 as of 2026. This figure is lower than the overall median salary for radiologic technologists in the city, which stands at $80,233, highlighting a gap that early-career professionals must navigate. However, there is room for growth, with the potential to advance to $67,121 at the 25th percentile and closer to the median within the first three to five years. Given the area's growing healthcare infrastructure, Lewiston presents a solid market for new rad tech graduates willing to build their skills and pursue progression in their careers.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lewiston
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 Lewiston
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Lewiston, ID typically start between $60,272 and $67,121 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,746 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,233 — 4.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Idaho of $20,000 represents just 33.18% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($60,272/year) in Lewiston. 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 Lewiston
- 1Research the Lewiston market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $60,272 to $67,121, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lewiston, 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 Lewiston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lewiston'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 Lewiston is $55,746 ( 92.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,272, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,018.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,740
2025 BLS Actual
$57,244
2026 Current Est.
$60,272
2019–2027 Growth
+20.3%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,272 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,461 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Lewiston, ID grew 8.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,740 in 2019 to $57,244 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,461. New graduates entering the Lewiston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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 Lewiston
In Lewiston, various employers are eager to hire recent graduates, particularly within local hospital systems that typically provide valuable paid training opportunities in CT cross-training during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains also seek new technologists, especially those who have acquired additional certifications to enhance their appeal. Aspiring radiologic technologists should focus on obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieve ARRT national registration in radiography, and get any necessary state licenses. Further certification in modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography can significantly boost their starting pay in Idaho. Career strategies should emphasize cross-training opportunities, which are becoming the standard path for higher compensation and career advancement, especially as the demand for specialized skills continues to reshape the workforce. Realistic salary growth expectations in the initial years can often lead to much higher earnings for those who pursue these opportunities diligently.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lewiston in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Lewiston?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lewiston?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Lewiston?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Idaho?
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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 Lewiston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lewiston 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