Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Hays, KS: $56,137 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,137 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,757 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,787) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Hays, Kansas, can expect a starting salary of approximately $56,137 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level pay for newly graduated professionals, leaving a notable gap compared to the overall median annual salary of $71,787 for the area. Over the first few years, it is reasonable to anticipate gradual salary progression, moving from the entry-level range toward the 25th percentile pay of $61,419 and eventually reaching the median as new technologists gain experience. Hays currently presents a promising job market for new graduates, particularly considering its competitive salaries compared to surrounding regions and the growth rate of 5.29% expected in the radiologic technology sector.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
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 Hays
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Hays, KS typically start between $56,137 and $61,419 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,911 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,787 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Kansas of $18,000 represents just 32.06% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($56,137/year) in Hays. 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 Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $56,137 to $61,419, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hays, 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 Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays'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 Hays is $44,911 ( 80.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,137, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,048.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,507
2025 BLS Actual
$53,317
2026 Current Est.
$56,137
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,507 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,173 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,621 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,137 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,107 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,507 in 2019 to $53,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,107. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
In Hays, the most common employers for entry-level positions include local hospital systems, which often offer comprehensive training and paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT and MRI during the first couple of years. This strategy is particularly beneficial since employers increasingly favor candidates with diverse skill sets, especially in outpatient imaging facilities that seek technicians trained in multiple areas. To enhance starting pay in Kansas, securing credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography, and pursuing any necessary state licensing, will be essential. Additionally, cross-training into modalities like mammography is increasingly standard, leading to better compensation as entry-level radiography roles tend to stagnate at the lower end of the pay scale. For new entrants to the field, realistic salary growth expectations during their initial three years often reflect a trajectory where enhanced skills and certifications lead to significantly higher pay, well beyond the early-career earnings in Hays.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Hays in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Hays?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Hays?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Hays?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Kansas?
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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 Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays 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