Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Ridgeland, MS: $51,363 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Ridgeland, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,363 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ridgeland's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,933 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,403) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Ridgeland, Mississippi, can anticipate a starting salary around $51,363. This entry-level figure reflects a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $69,403 in the area, indicating that new graduates may need to invest time in gaining experience to reach this higher benchmark. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals may see their pay rise steadily through the P25 at $59,991, gradually working toward the city median. Currently, Ridgeland presents a favorable market for new graduates, especially considering the overall projected growth of the profession at 5.29% annually, which suggests that as more techs enter the workforce, the demand and eventual pay could improve over time.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ridgeland
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 Ridgeland
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Ridgeland, MS typically start between $51,363 and $59,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,103 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,403 — 17.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 31.15% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,363/year) in Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland
- 1Research the Ridgeland market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,363 to $59,991, 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 Ridgeland, 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 Ridgeland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ridgeland'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 Ridgeland is $43,103 ( 83.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,363, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,466.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,146
2025 BLS Actual
$48,782
2026 Current Est.
$51,363
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,826 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,588 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,721 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,782 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,363 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,080 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Ridgeland, MS grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,146 in 2019 to $48,782 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,080. New graduates entering the Ridgeland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
Employers in Ridgeland that commonly hire new graduates include various hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers tend to prefer candidates with cross-training experience, while orthopedic practices might seek out skilled technologists comfortable with extremity work. To maximize starting pay, new grads should focus on obtaining credentials through JRCERT-accredited programs and securing ARRT national registration in radiography (R). Continuing education and additional ARRT certifications can enhance one's value in the job market. In the first three years, it’s typical for early-career techs to pursue cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography, as these modalities generally lead to higher wages compared to pure radiography roles. Given the recent trends in outpatient imaging chain consolidation, a proactive career strategy can significantly influence salary growth during the initial years in Ridgeland.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Ridgeland in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Ridgeland?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Ridgeland?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Ridgeland?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Mississippi?
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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 Ridgeland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ridgeland 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