Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in College Park, MD: $62,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the College Park, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,023 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out College Park's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,746 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,995) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to enter the radiologic field in College Park, Maryland, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary is a critical consideration. In 2026, entry-level positions can expect to draw salaries around $62,023, which is quite a distance from the city's median salary of $89,995. However, the compensation trajectory improves over time; for those in their first few years, salary growth to approximately $71,446 at the 25th percentile is achievable as individuals gain experience. Despite the initial gap, College Park presents a favorable market for new graduates, particularly considering the ongoing demand for specialists in radiologic technology and the positive growth rate of 5.29% in this sector.
About the College Park Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in College Park
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 College Park
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in College Park, MD typically start between $62,023 and $71,446 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,722 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,995 — 6.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Maryland of $30,000 represents just 48.37% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($62,023/year) in College Park. 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 College Park
- 1Research the College Park market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $62,023 to $71,446, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in College Park, 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 College Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5College Park's moderate 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 College Park is $70,722 ( 114.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,023, experienced hygienists can earn up to $132,745.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,649
2025 BLS Actual
$58,907
2026 Current Est.
$62,023
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in College Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,385 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,635 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,907 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,304 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in College Park, MD grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,649 in 2019 to $58,907 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,304. New graduates entering the College Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the College Park 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 College Park
In the local job market, hospitals are the primary employers of emerging radiologic technologists and technicians in College Park, often providing advantages such as paid cross-training in CT within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers also seek newly minted graduates, especially those who are cross-trained in additional modalities. Credentials enhance earning potential significantly, so new professionals should emphasize obtaining their ARRT national registration in radiography and consider pursuing state licenses as required. In their initial years, focusing on continuing education and gaining certifications in specialized imaging areas like MRI or mammography can propel entry-level salaries upward. Overall, those beginning their careers in this field can anticipate salary enhancements as they secure more experience and qualifications, often aligning with industry standards set by organizations like the ASRT and ARRT.
More salary data for College Park, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in College Park in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in College Park?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in College Park?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in College Park?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Maryland?
Related Pages
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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 College Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for College Park 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