Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Monroe, LA: $42,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Monroe, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,758 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Monroe's local price level (BEA RPP 83.6 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,148 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,237) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For recent graduates entering the field, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Monroe, LA, is projected to be around $42,758 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level earnings for new grads and reflects the gap to the city median salary of $63,237. Although initial pay is relatively modest when compared to the median, there is significant potential for career progression; many can expect to reach the P25 level of $52,350 in just a few years' time. The local job market suggests that Monroe is a viable option for aspiring radiologic technologists, providing a pathway to gain experience and advance through the ranks within healthcare settings.
Career Earnings Timeline in Monroe
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 Monroe
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Monroe, LA typically start between $42,758 and $52,350 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,494 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,237 — 25.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Louisiana of $18,000 represents just 42.10% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($42,758/year) in Monroe. 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 Monroe
- 1Research the Monroe market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $42,758 to $52,350, 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 Monroe, 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 Monroe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Monroe'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 Monroe is $38,494 ( 90.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,758, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,252.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,910
2025 BLS Actual
$40,610
2026 Current Est.
$42,758
2019–2027 Growth
+12.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,020 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Monroe, LA grew 1.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,910 in 2019 to $40,610 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,020. New graduates entering the Monroe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe 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 Monroe
Several employers in Monroe actively seek entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians, with local hospital systems being the primary recruiters. Many of these facilities offer paid training in key areas such as CT, MRI, and mammography during the first two years, which is essential for enhancing skillsets and boosting salaries. To gain competitive advantages, new graduates should aim to complete their credentials through an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, secure ARRT national registration in radiography, and pursue any additional certifications in ARRT modalities. Given the evolving landscape of outpatient imaging and the consolidation of practices, it is advisable for early-career technologists to focus on cross-training opportunities, as specialization tends to lead to higher earnings. During the first three years, realistic salary growth can be anticipated as one transitions from pure radiography roles into more advanced and cross-trained positions.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Monroe in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Monroe?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Monroe?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Monroe?
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 Monroe. 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