Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pocatello, ID: $64,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pocatello, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,406 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pocatello's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,443 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,754) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For recent graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Pocatello, Idaho, the starting pay is projected at around $64,406 in 2026. This figure sits below the city’s median annual salary of $66,754, indicating that new entrants can expect a modest gap as they progress in their careers. Within the first few years, it is realistic for new grads to see their salaries rise through the P25 level of $66,185 and potentially towards the median with experience and skill development. Given the current demand for healthcare professionals in Pocatello and the projected 5.29% annual growth in the field, it appears to be a favorable market for those just starting their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pocatello
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 Pocatello
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pocatello, ID typically start between $64,406 and $66,185 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,694 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,754 — 20.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Idaho of $20,000 represents just 31.05% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($64,406/year) in Pocatello. 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 Pocatello
- 1Research the Pocatello market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $64,406 to $66,185, 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 Pocatello, 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 Pocatello for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pocatello'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 Pocatello is $38,694 ( 60.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,406, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,100.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,270
2025 BLS Actual
$61,170
2026 Current Est.
$64,406
2019–2027 Growth
+87.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,188 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,813 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pocatello, ID grew 68.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,270 in 2019 to $61,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,813. New graduates entering the Pocatello job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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 Pocatello
New graduates in this profession can find opportunities primarily with local hospital systems, which often hire entry-level technologists and offer valuable paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT) in the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers frequently seek these newly trained professionals, while orthopedic practices may prefer applicants who already have some experience in extremity work. For those seeking to maximize their starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in ID, obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieving ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and pursuing state licensure may significantly enhance their earning potential. Cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography is not just common; it’s a strategic career move, as roles focused purely on radiography may not see the same salary growth. The first three years in this market could lead to realistic salary enhancements as professionals gain experience and additional certifications.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pocatello. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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