Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Johnston, IA: $49,071 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Johnston, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,071 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Johnston's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,282 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,864) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates stepping into the radiologic technologist and technician role in Johnston, Iowa, the initial compensation can vary significantly. Entry-level positions start at approximately $49,071, which is below the city’s median salary of $63,864, creating a noticeable gap for new professionals. Over the first few years of their careers, entry-level technologists can expect their earnings to gradually increase; the 25th percentile salary is $53,957, suggesting a steady growth pathway toward the median as they gain experience and potentially pursue further education or certifications. Given that Johnston is currently witnessing a growth rate of 5.29% within this field, new graduates should find a favorable market for launching their careers in radiology.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Johnston
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 Johnston
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Johnston, IA typically start between $49,071 and $53,957 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,976 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,864 — 24.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 40.76% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($49,071/year) in Johnston. 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 Johnston
- 1Research the Johnston market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $49,071 to $53,957, 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 Johnston, 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 Johnston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Johnston'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 Johnston is $41,976 ( 85.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,071, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,047.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,534
2025 BLS Actual
$46,606
2026 Current Est.
$49,071
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,534 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,117 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,005 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,762 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,644 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,071 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,667 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Johnston, IA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,534 in 2019 to $46,606 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,667. New graduates entering the Johnston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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 Johnston
In Johnston, many employers actively recruit new graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs, particularly within hospital systems where cross-training into CT or MRI is often available during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains also look for freshly minted technicians, especially those willing to be trained across multiple modalities. It is crucial for new professionals to secure their ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and applicable state licenses to enhance their employability and increase their starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in IA. As they navigate the formative years of their careers, seeking cross-training opportunities, particularly in modalities like mammography, can significantly bump their earnings potential. Realistic salary growth expectations for the first three years suggest that new graduates can progressively advance their pay, especially as pure radiography roles tend to plateau at the lower end of the scale in this changing job market.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Johnston in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Johnston?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Johnston?
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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 Johnston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johnston 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