Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Frankfort, KY: $54,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Frankfort, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,551 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Frankfort's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,087 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,016) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Frankfort, KY, is projected to start at around $54,551. While this figure represents the tentative earnings for new graduates entering the field, it falls significantly below the median salary of $78,016 that more experienced professionals in the city earn. However, the upward trajectory for those just starting is promising. Entry-level salaries are expected to rise to $62,271 as professionals gain experience, showcasing a growth path that can bring recent graduates within striking distance of the city’s median salary in their first few years. Overall, Frankfort appears to offer a viable job market for new radiologic technologists and technicians, especially considering the anticipated demand for qualified imaging professionals.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Frankfort
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 Frankfort
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Frankfort, KY typically start between $54,551 and $62,271 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,057 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,016 — 7.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Kentucky of $18,000 represents just 33.00% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,551/year) in Frankfort. 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 Frankfort
- 1Research the Frankfort market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,551 to $62,271, 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 KY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Frankfort, 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 Frankfort for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Frankfort'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 Frankfort is $61,057 ( 111.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,551, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,608.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,390
2025 BLS Actual
$51,810
2026 Current Est.
$54,551
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,038 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,202 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,294 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,436 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Frankfort, KY grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,390 in 2019 to $51,810 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,436. New graduates entering the Frankfort job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frankfort 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 Frankfort
Employers in Frankfort typically looking to hire new graduates include various hospital systems that often provide cross-training in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the first couple of years on the job. Outpatient imaging centers also recruit entry-level technicians, particularly those who are versatile and willing to expand their skill set. To maximize starting pay in Kentucky, new grads should consider obtaining their credentials through ARRT registration in radiography (R) and pursuing additional certifications in specialized modalities like mammography. The trend toward cross-training into CT or MRI is becoming the standard approach for increasing earning potential, as sole radiography positions are experiencing compression at the lower end of the pay scale. With a growth expectation for entry-level salaries boosted by in-demand skills and certifications, professionals can anticipate steady salary increases over the first three years of their careers in this evolving market.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Frankfort?
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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 Frankfort. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Frankfort 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