Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Houma, LA: $52,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Houma, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,950 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Houma's local price level (BEA RPP 85.1 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,219 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,490) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates embarking on their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Houma can expect starting salaries around $52,950, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $65,490. This gap indicates that while entry-level roles may not offer top-tier pay, there are opportunities for salary growth over the initial years, as entry-level professionals typically progress toward the 25th percentile salary of $62,721 within their first few years. The 5.29% annual growth rate reflects a promising outlook for newcomers, suggesting that Houma remains a viable market for fresh graduates eager to make their mark in the healthcare field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Houma
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 Houma
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Houma, LA typically start between $52,950 and $62,721 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,503 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,490 — 22.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Louisiana of $18,000 represents just 33.99% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,950/year) in Houma. 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 Houma
- 1Research the Houma market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,950 to $62,721, 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 LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Houma, 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 Houma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Houma'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 Houma is $31,503 ( 59.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,950, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,920
2025 BLS Actual
$50,290
2026 Current Est.
$52,950
2019–2027 Growth
+74.7%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,751 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Houma, LA grew 57.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,920 in 2019 to $50,290 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,751. New graduates entering the Houma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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 Houma
Employers looking to recruit new grads in Houma primarily include major hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in advanced imaging technologies like CT, MRI, and mammography during the first year or two of employment. Outpatient imaging chains are also key players, frequently seeking cross-trained technologists who can adapt to various modalities. To enhance earning potential in Louisiana, obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT registration in radiography (R), and relevant state licenses is essential. Those who take the initiative to specialize by pursuing additional ARRT certification in sought-after modalities can expect a more favorable position in the job market. Realistically, as newly minted professionals gain experience and expand their skill sets over the first three years, they may find themselves moving towards higher average compensations than what entry-level roles initially offer.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Houma in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Houma?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Houma?
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How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Louisiana?
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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 Houma. 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