Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Clinton, MS: $50,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Clinton, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,018 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,364 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,462) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the radiologic technologist and technician field in Clinton, Mississippi, the starting pay typically hovers around $50,018 annually. This figure is significantly below the median annual salary of $66,462 for the area, highlighting the initial gap that many early-career professionals may encounter. However, as these new grads build their experience and skills, they can expect a gradual growth in compensation, moving into the $55,389 range within the first few years of their careers. Given the 5.29% annual growth projected, Clinton remains a viable market for recent entrants, providing a solid foundation for those looking to establish their professional lives in healthcare.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton
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 Clinton
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Clinton, MS typically start between $50,018 and $55,389 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,456 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,462 — 21.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 31.99% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,018/year) in Clinton. 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 Clinton
- 1Research the Clinton market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,018 to $55,389, 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 Clinton, 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 Clinton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton'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 Clinton is $41,456 ( 82.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,018, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,474.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,200
2025 BLS Actual
$47,505
2026 Current Est.
$50,018
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,794 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,529 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,447 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,664 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton, MS grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,200 in 2019 to $47,505 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,664. New graduates entering the Clinton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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 Clinton
Employers in the Clinton area seeking out fresh talent primarily include hospital systems that often offer new graduates opportunities for paid cross-training, particularly in CT imaging during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains also actively recruit, though they tend to favor candidates with added expertise in different modalities. To enhance their starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Clinton, new alumni should focus on obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and any necessary state licenses. Engaging in continuing education, especially pursuing ARRT certification in additional modalities like CT or MRI, proves beneficial—these cross-training strategies typically lead to higher pay structures as pure radiography roles become less lucrative for long-term careers. Within the first three years, graduates can realistically anticipate a steady salary growth as consolidation within outpatient imaging entities drives demand for well-rounded technologists in Clinton, MS.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Clinton in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Clinton?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Clinton?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Clinton?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Mississippi?
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 Clinton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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