Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Burlington, IA: $48,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,687 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,857 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,067) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Burlington, IA, can anticipate a starting annual salary around $48,687. This figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum for entry-level positions, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $66,067. However, as new technologists accumulate experience within their first few years, there is potential for growth, with salaries reaching approximately $54,517 at the 25th percentile. The job market in Burlington currently favors new graduates due to a steady demand for radiologic professionals, positioned within a growth trajectory of about 5.29% annually. Therefore, while initial earnings may not be high, the local landscape provides a supportive environment for early-career technologists to develop their skills and increase their earning potential over time.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Burlington, IA typically start between $48,687 and $54,517 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,684 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,067 — 21.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 41.08% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($48,687/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $48,687 to $54,517, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $43,684 ( 89.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,687, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,371.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,264
2025 BLS Actual
$46,241
2026 Current Est.
$48,687
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,264 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,451 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,318 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,103 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,263 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,264 in 2019 to $46,241 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,263. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Employers in Burlington predominantly recruit new graduates from local hospital systems, often providing on-site CT cross-training during the initial years. Outpatient imaging chains are also viable options for new rad tech graduates, with a focus on cross-trained professionals to meet diverse patient needs. As early-career technologists, it's crucial to prioritize further education and certification, such as obtaining ARRT registration in radiography (R) and pursuing additional specializations in modalities like CT or MRI, which can lead to better starting pay. In the first three years, salaries can improve considerably as one transitions into cross-trained roles, given the demand within the field and the consolidation of outpatient imaging centers. Overall, while entry-level positions in Burlington have modest starting salaries when compared to Iowa's average, strategic career planning, including pursuing continuing education and gaining diverse experience, can lead to substantial long-term financial growth and job security.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Burlington?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Burlington?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Iowa?
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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