Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Brandon, MS: $50,452 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Brandon, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,452 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brandon's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,870 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,891) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Brandon, Mississippi, the starting pay can be a critical factor to consider. In 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Brandon is projected to be around $50,452. This figure sits below the city’s median salary of $68,891, indicating a noticeable gap that new graduates can expect as they start their careers. However, with experience and dedication, the trajectory for early-career professionals is promising. Within the first few years, salaries can increase to $56,888, and as they accumulate experience and seek further certifications, they may approach the median figure over time. Overall, Brandon appears to provide a decent market for new rad tech graduates due to its growth potential, especially in hospitals and imaging centers seeking eager professionals.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brandon
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 Brandon
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Brandon, MS typically start between $50,452 and $56,888 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,417 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,891 — 18.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 31.71% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,452/year) in Brandon. 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 Brandon
- 1Research the Brandon market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,452 to $56,888, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brandon, 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 Brandon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brandon'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 Brandon is $50,417 ( 99.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,452, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,869.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,505
2025 BLS Actual
$47,917
2026 Current Est.
$50,452
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,505 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,102 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,815 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,917 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,452 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,121 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Brandon, MS grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,505 in 2019 to $47,917 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,121. New graduates entering the Brandon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon 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 Brandon
Employers in Brandon that commonly hire recent graduates include major hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training opportunities in computed tomography (CT) during the first year or two of employment. Outpatient imaging facilities also actively recruit entry-level technologists, whereas orthopedic practices typically look for experienced candidates. To enhance starting salaries in Mississippi, credentials such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, alongside ARRT national registration in radiography, are essential. Furthermore, pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications in fields like CT or MRI could lead to higher pay as one transitions into specialized roles. Given the current healthcare environment and the consolidation of outpatient imaging centers, entry-level radiologic technologists can realistically expect incremental salary growth, especially if they invest in cross-training and further education during their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Brandon in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Brandon?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Brandon?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Brandon?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Brandon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brandon 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