Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Lexington, MA: $71,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Lexington, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,247 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lexington's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,665 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,348) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technologist and technician roles in Lexington, Massachusetts, can anticipate starting salaries at the lower end of the range, specifically around $71,247. This amount represents a substantial gap when compared to the median salary for the area, which is projected at $96,348. However, entry-level professionals have a promising trajectory in their early career, with the potential to reach the 25th percentile earning $80,068 within a few years. This growth path makes Lexington a favorable market for new graduates, particularly considering the anticipated 5.29% annual growth rate in salaries, which can provide a solid incentive for individuals who are willing to gain experience and pursue further qualifications.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lexington
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 Lexington
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Lexington, MA typically start between $71,247 and $80,068 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,221 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,348 — 14.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Massachusetts of $40,000 represents just 56.14% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($71,247/year) in Lexington. 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 Lexington
- 1Research the Lexington market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $71,247 to $80,068, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lexington, 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 Lexington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lexington'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 Lexington is $67,221 ( 94.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,247, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,468.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,140
2025 BLS Actual
$67,667
2026 Current Est.
$71,247
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,986 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,731 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,463 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,016 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Lexington, MA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,140 in 2019 to $67,667 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,016. New graduates entering the Lexington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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 Lexington
For new graduates in Lexington, hospitals are primary employers for entry-level radiologic technologists and often provide opportunities for paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MRI during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers also hire new entrants, but they typically prefer candidates with additional cross-training. Establishing credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT registration in radiography are critical for maximizing starting pay in Massachusetts. To advance salary potential, securing further ARRT modality certifications and engaging in continued education will be beneficial. In the initial years, focusing on cross-training into higher-paying specialties like mammography can facilitate better salary growth, as pure radiography roles are compressing at lower pay scales. New grads should realistically expect to see incremental increases in their earnings, provided they actively pursue these essential career development strategies.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lexington in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Lexington?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lexington?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Lexington?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Massachusetts?
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 Lexington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lexington 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