Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Wichita, KS: $53,382 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Wichita, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,382 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,016 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,260) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Aspiring radiologic technologists and technicians entering the workforce in Wichita, KS can anticipate an entry-level salary starting at approximately $53,382 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for this profession, in contrast to the city median salary of $68,260, showing a notable gap that can influence new grads' expectations. However, there is potential for salary growth over the first few years, as entry-level positions can lead to earnings around $60,700 by progressing through the first professional milestones. The healthy growth trajectory of 5.29% annually suggests that Wichita is currently a viable job market for recent graduates looking to establish their careers in radiologic technology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita
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 Wichita
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Wichita, KS typically start between $53,382 and $60,700 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,758 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,260 — 19.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Kansas of $18,000 represents just 33.72% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,382/year) in Wichita. 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 Wichita
- 1Research the Wichita market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,382 to $60,700, 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 Wichita, 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 Wichita for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita'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 Wichita is $42,758 ( 80.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,382, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,140.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,140
2025 BLS Actual
$50,700
2026 Current Est.
$53,382
2019–2027 Growth
+55.5%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,382 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,206 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita, KS grew 40.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,140 in 2019 to $50,700 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,206. New graduates entering the Wichita job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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 Wichita
When it comes to finding job opportunities, various employers in Wichita actively seek newly licensed radiologic technologist and technician graduates. Major hospital systems often hire new grads, frequently offering paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT or MRI during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers typically recruit cross-trained techs, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer those with experience in extremity imaging. Enhancing credentials through a JRCERT-accredited program, obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and pursuing additional certifications can bolster starting pay in Kansas. With cross-training into modalities like CT or mammography being a common strategy for increasing income, new professionals can expect to see salary increases over the first 1-3 years as they expand their skill sets and take on more specialized roles in this evolving field.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wichita in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Wichita?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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