Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Needham, MA: $69,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Needham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,540 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Needham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,092 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,894) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those graduating as radiologic technologists and technicians in Needham, a realistic expectation for starting pay aligns with the entry-level salary of $69,540 in 2026. This figure is substantially below the city's median annual salary of $98,894, indicating a gap of approximately $29,354. However, new professionals can anticipate a promising growth trajectory as they gain experience. Earnings could rise to around $79,301 in the early years, with the potential to reach the median salary in about three to five years. Given the higher-than-national average salaries and the healthy projected growth rate of 5.29%, Needham appears to be a favorable market for new graduates embarking on their healthcare careers.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Needham
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 Needham
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Needham, MA typically start between $69,540 and $79,301 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,190 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,894 — 17.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Massachusetts of $40,000 represents just 57.52% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($69,540/year) in Needham. 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 Needham
- 1Research the Needham market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $69,540 to $79,301, 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 Needham, 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 Needham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Needham'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 Needham is $71,190 ( 102.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,540, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,730.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,939
2025 BLS Actual
$66,046
2026 Current Est.
$69,540
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,765 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,274 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,348 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,046 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,218 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Needham, MA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,939 in 2019 to $66,046 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,218. New graduates entering the Needham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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 Needham
When considering employment opportunities in Needham, local hospital systems play a major role in hiring new graduates, often providing valuable paid CT cross-training within the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains are also actively seeking radiologic technologists and technicians, especially those with cross-training skills. While orthopedic practices tend to prefer experienced techs, they often prioritize candidates who demonstrate proficiency with extremity work. For those aiming to enhance their entry-level earnings, obtaining credentials from an accredited JRCERT program, ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and possibly additional ARRT modality certifications can be beneficial. Cross-training into modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography is increasingly standard for professionals seeking higher wages. As the demand for skilled technicians continues to rise in Needham, new graduations can expect steady salary growth over their initial years in the field.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Needham in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Needham?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Needham?
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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 Needham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Needham 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