Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Hutchinson, KS: $55,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Hutchinson, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,890 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hutchinson's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,485 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,005) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Upon entering the workforce, new graduates of radiologic technology programs in Hutchinson, Kansas, can expect a starting salary of approximately $55,890. This entry-level pay represents a significant step towards the city’s median annual salary of $75,005, leaving a distinct gap. Early-career professionals have a clear advancement path; as they gain experience and move up the pay scale, the salary can progress from $62,646 at the 25th percentile, ultimately reaching the $75,005 median within the first few years. With a projected growth rate of 5.29% annually, Hutchinson offers a favorable market for new entrants into this profession, allowing them to build a solid foundation as they embark on their careers.
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hutchinson
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 Hutchinson
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Hutchinson, KS typically start between $55,890 and $62,646 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,059 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,005 — 11.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Kansas of $18,000 represents just 32.21% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,890/year) in Hutchinson. 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 Hutchinson
- 1Research the Hutchinson market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,890 to $62,646, 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 Hutchinson, 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 Hutchinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hutchinson'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 Hutchinson is $55,059 ( 98.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,890, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,949.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,333
2025 BLS Actual
$53,082
2026 Current Est.
$55,890
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,333 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,288 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,847 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hutchinson, KS grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,333 in 2019 to $53,082 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,847. New graduates entering the Hutchinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson
In Hutchinson, major employers such as local hospital systems are some of the primary sources of entry-level positions for newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians. These healthcare facilities often provide opportunities for paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities like CT, which can significantly enhance earning potential in the first few years. Successful candidates typically hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and maintain ARRT registration in radiography, alongside any state-specific licensure required. With the industry trending towards outpatient imaging chains and the need for additional specialty certifications, new grads are advised to pursue cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography within their first year or two to climb the salary ladder. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the initial years reflect the compression often seen in basic radiography roles as the market evolves.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Hutchinson in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Hutchinson?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Hutchinson?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Hutchinson?
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 Hutchinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hutchinson 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