Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Horn Lake, MS: $49,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Horn Lake, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,451 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Horn Lake's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,702 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,816) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology and radiologic technician roles in Horn Lake, MS, can expect starting salaries around $49,451 in 2026. This initial pay is significantly lower than the city median of $70,816, highlighting a notable gap for early-career professionals. However, there exists an opportunity for upward mobility, as individuals can see their earnings increase to about $56,545 within the first few years of employment. For those willing to enhance their skill set through cross-training into specialties like CT or MRI, the growth trajectory continues, potentially reaching the median salary in approximately three to five years. Given the projected 5.29% growth rate in this field, Horn Lake presents a promising job market for newly minted graduates keen on establishing their careers.
About the Horn Lake Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Horn Lake
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 Horn Lake
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Horn Lake, MS typically start between $49,451 and $56,545 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,324 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,816 — 16.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 32.36% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($49,451/year) in Horn Lake. 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 Horn Lake
- 1Research the Horn Lake market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $49,451 to $56,545, 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 Horn Lake, 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 Horn Lake for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Horn Lake'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 Horn Lake is $55,324 ( 111.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,451, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,775.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,801
2025 BLS Actual
$46,966
2026 Current Est.
$49,451
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Horn Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,801 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,306 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,966 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,066 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Horn Lake, MS grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,801 in 2019 to $46,966 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,066. New graduates entering the Horn Lake job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Horn Lake 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 Horn Lake
Hiring in Horn Lake primarily involves local hospital systems, which often seek out new graduates for entry-level positions that include paid cross-training in areas like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the first year or two. Outpatient imaging chains are other key employers, targeting entry-level candidates who recently completed JRCERT-accredited programs. To improve entry-level pay in Mississippi, obtaining credentials such as the ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and pursuing additional certifications in modalities can make candidates more competitive. In the first three years, new radiologic technologists may observe their earnings plateau initially but can expect substantial growth if they focus on specialization; ordinary radiography roles tend to offer lower compensation, making cross-training essential for attaining higher pay. The evolving job market landscape emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continued education for optimizing career progression in radiology.
More salary data for Horn Lake, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Horn Lake in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Horn Lake?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Horn Lake?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Horn Lake?
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 Horn Lake. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Horn Lake 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