Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Kirkwood, MO: $54,395 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Kirkwood, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,395 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kirkwood's local price level (BEA RPP 89.610% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,709 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,555) within a few years of clinical practice.

$54,395
Starting Salary
$26.15/hr
Starting Hourly
$54,395
Entry Level
$75,555
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Kirkwood, MO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Kirkwood, MO radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Kirkwood, Missouri, the starting salary, projected at $54,395 in 2026, represents a key entry point into a promising career. While this figure is below the city’s overall median wage of $75,555, it still offers a realistic expectation for early-career professionals. In the initial years, as new technologists gain experience, they can anticipate salary growth, reaching around $61,463 at the 25th percentile within three to five years. Kirkwood presents a favorable job market, making it an attractive option for aspiring radiologic technologists eager to build their skills and advance their careers.

About the Kirkwood Market

Salary estimated from Missouri average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Kirkwood

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$54,395/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$61,463/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$75,555/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$92,417/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkwood

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Kirkwood. The median salary is $75,555, compared to the national median of $84,348.$49.0K$65.4K$81.8K$98.2K$114.6K$54.4K10th Pctl$61.5K25th Pctl$75.6KMedian$92.4K75th Pctl$109.1K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Kirkwood, MO typically start between $54,395 and $61,463 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,753 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,55510.42% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Kirkwood metro area.

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg MO Program Cost
$54,395
Starting Salary
36.77%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Missouri of $20,000 represents just 36.77% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,395/year) in Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood

  • 1Research the Kirkwood market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,395 to $61,463, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Kirkwood'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 Kirkwood is $54,753 ( 100.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,395, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,148.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$38,280

2025 BLS Actual

$51,662

2026 Current Est.

$54,395

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Kirkwood (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kirkwood. Baseline $38,280 in 2025, projected to $57,272 by 2027.$34.5K$41.1K$47.8K$54.4K$61.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$38.3K$38.9K$43.2K$44.1K$46.2K$39.5K$51.7K$54.4K$57.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$38,280Actual
2020$38,926Actual
2021$43,236Actual
2022$44,076Actual
2023$46,162Actual
2024$39,504Actual
2025$51,662Actual
2026(current)$54,395Estimated
2027$57,272Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Kirkwood, MO grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,280 in 2019 to $51,662 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,272. New graduates entering the Kirkwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Kirkwood

In this competitive landscape, several key employers in Kirkwood are actively hiring new graduates in the radiologic field. Hospitals typically provide extensive training and paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the first couple of years, an attractive prospect for many new grads. Outpatient imaging centers are also a common route for recent graduates, often looking for radiologic technologists who have diversified their skills. To boost starting pay in Missouri, it is vital for new technologists to obtain credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs and achieve ARRT national registration in radiography. Moreover, pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications can accelerate career advancement. In the first few years, technologists focused solely on radiography may find their pay stagnating, while those who embrace cross-training into modalities like mammography are better positioned for higher pay scales. Ultimately, realistic expectations indicate continued growth for entry-level professionals as they navigate their early careers in the local healthcare ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kirkwood in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Kirkwood start at approximately $54,395/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $26.15/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kirkwood?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Kirkwood progress from the entry-level salary of $54,395 to the area median of $75,555 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $109,148 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kirkwood?

With a starting salary of $54,395/year in Kirkwood and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kirkwood?

New radiologic technology graduates in Kirkwood typically start near the 10th percentile at $54,395/year, or approximately $26.15/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Missouri?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Missouri, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Missouri, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Missouri

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 Kirkwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Kirkwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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