Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Mountain Home, ID: $55,508 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Mountain Home, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,508 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mountain Home's local price level (BEA RPP 95.35% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,246 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,667) within a few years of clinical practice.

$55,508
Starting Salary
$26.69/hr
Starting Hourly
$55,508
Entry Level
$78,667
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Mountain Home, ID, new graduates beginning their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians can expect to earn an entry-level salary projected at $55,508 in 2026. This starting number represents a notable gap from the city's median annual salary of $78,667, indicating potential for growth as these new professionals gain experience. Over the first few years, entry-level salaries can increase significantly, with many emerging technologists progressing toward $67,991 at the 25th percentile, aligning with the anticipated average trajectory dictated by industry standards. Given the projected growth rate of 5.29%, Mountain Home currently presents a favorable market for recent graduates looking to start their careers in the field.

About the Mountain Home Market

Salary estimated from Idaho average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Mountain Home

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$55,508/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$67,991/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$78,667/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$95,859/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mountain Home

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Mountain Home. The median salary is $78,667, compared to the national median of $84,348.$50.0K$66.9K$83.8K$100.7K$117.6K$55.5K10th Pctl$68.0K25th Pctl$78.7KMedian$95.9K75th Pctl$112.0K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Mountain Home, ID typically start between $55,508 and $67,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,455 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,6676.74% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg ID Program Cost
$55,508
Starting Salary
36.03%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Idaho of $20,000 represents just 36.03% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,508/year) in Mountain Home. 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 Mountain Home

  • 1Research the Mountain Home market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,508 to $67,991, 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 Mountain Home, 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 Mountain Home for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Mountain Home'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 Mountain Home is $56,455 ( 101.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,508, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,963.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$39,064

2025 BLS Actual

$52,719

2026 Current Est.

$55,508

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Mountain Home (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 Mountain Home. Baseline $39,064 in 2025, projected to $58,444 by 2027.$35.2K$42.0K$48.8K$55.5K$62.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$39.1K$39.7K$44.1K$45.0K$47.1K$41.5K$52.7K$55.5K$58.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$39,064Actual
2020$39,723Actual
2021$44,121Actual
2022$44,978Actual
2023$47,106Actual
2024$41,518Actual
2025$52,719Actual
2026(current)$55,508Estimated
2027$58,444Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Mountain Home, ID grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,064 in 2019 to $52,719 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,444. New graduates entering the Mountain Home job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

For those entering this profession in Mountain Home, several pathways can enhance earning potential early in their careers. Most job opportunities for new grads typically arise within local hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities, such as CT or MRI, during the initial years. While outpatient imaging chains are beginning to seek cross-trained technologists, orthopedic practices usually prefer experienced individuals comfortable with extremity work. Candidates who have completed a JRCERT-accredited program and hold ARRT registration in radiography are in a stronger position for employment opportunities, as is obtaining additional certifications in specialized modalities. As the demand for cross-trained professionals grows, new graduates can realistically expect salary increases as they advance from entry-level positions into higher-paying roles within the first three years of their career.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Mountain Home start at approximately $55,508/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 $26.69/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 Mountain Home?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Mountain Home progress from the entry-level salary of $55,508 to the area median of $78,667 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $111,963 (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 Mountain Home?

With a starting salary of $55,508/year in Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home?

New radiologic technology graduates in Mountain Home typically start near the 10th percentile at $55,508/year, or approximately $26.69/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 Idaho?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Mountain Home 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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