Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Somerville, MA: $71,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Somerville, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,483 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Somerville's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,883 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,025) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Somerville, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary around $71,483 in 2026. This entry-level pay is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $102,025, creating a gap that reflects the typical career progression within the field. Over the first few years, early-career professionals can anticipate growth through positions that may offer salaries reaching up to $81,918 as they gain experience and potentially specialize in procedures such as CT or MRI. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, Somerville presents a robust market for new graduates, making it a favorable location for those entering the profession right now.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Somerville
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 Somerville
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Somerville, MA typically start between $71,483 and $81,918 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,034 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,025 — 20.96% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Massachusetts of $40,000 represents just 55.96% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($71,483/year) in Somerville. 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 Somerville
- 1Research the Somerville market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $71,483 to $81,918, 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 Somerville, 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 Somerville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Somerville'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 Somerville is $77,034 ( 107.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,483, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,517.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,307
2025 BLS Actual
$67,892
2026 Current Est.
$71,483
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,307 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,664 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,432 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,265 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Somerville, MA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,307 in 2019 to $67,892 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,265. New graduates entering the Somerville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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 Somerville
Employers in Somerville are actively hiring newly licensed radiologic technologists, especially those with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT registration in radiography, and any additional ARRT modality certifications. Local hospital systems are particularly notable, often providing cross-training opportunities in CT or MRI to new hires, allowing them to increase their skill set and income potential within their first few years. Outpatient imaging centers, which generally seek cross-trained technicians, have also become key employers, while orthopedic practices typically prefer experienced technologists who are adept in extremity work. To maximize earnings in this field, new graduates should focus on gaining diverse experience and pursuing advanced certifications, as the demand for specialists in various imaging modalities continues to expand. Realistic growth expectations for salaries during the first three years hinge on these career strategies, with a clear trajectory toward higher pay as early professionals cross-train into more specialized roles.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Somerville?
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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 Somerville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Somerville 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