Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in St. Joseph, MO: $62,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the St. Joseph, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,616 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Joseph's local price level (BEA RPP 86.4 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,487 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,946) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In St. Joseph, MO, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology can typically expect starting salaries around $62,616 as they begin their careers. This entry-level pay is notably below the city's overall median annual salary of $76,946, highlighting a significant gap that early-career professionals need to navigate. Despite this initial disparity, new technologists can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving from the P10 figure to the P25 level of $63,469, eventually aiming for the median within the first three to five years of practice. Given the projected 5.29% growth rate in the sector, St. Joseph offers a viable job market for fresh graduates, with opportunities for advancement and increased earnings through further training and experience.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Joseph
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 St. Joseph
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in St. Joseph, MO typically start between $62,616 and $63,469 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,714 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,946 — 8.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Missouri of $20,000 represents just 31.94% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($62,616/year) in St. Joseph. 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 St. Joseph
- 1Research the St. Joseph market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $62,616 to $63,469, 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Joseph'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 St. Joseph is $34,714 ( 55.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,616, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,330.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,610
2025 BLS Actual
$59,470
2026 Current Est.
$62,616
2019–2027 Growth
+58.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in St. Joseph (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,771 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,928 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in St. Joseph, MO grew 42.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,610 in 2019 to $59,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,928. New graduates entering the St. Joseph job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph
New graduates often find employment in hospitals that are willing to invest in cross-training programs for entry-level positions, particularly in areas like computed tomography (CT). These facilities often provide paid training within the first couple of years, which can significantly enhance earning potential. Additionally, outpatient imaging chains and orthopedic practices frequently seek new talent, although the latter typically prefer candidates with some experience in extremity imaging. Credentials can significantly elevate starting pay in Missouri; obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, securing ARRT national registration, and a state license can be advantageous. For first-time job seekers, the focus should include pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications, such as CT or MRI, as these specializations are crucial for achieving higher salaries as they move beyond the initial salary range. Realistically, salaries could climb steadily in the first three years, especially with strategic efforts to expand skills and certifications in this evolving field.
More salary data for St. Joseph, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in St. Joseph in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in St. Joseph?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in St. Joseph?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in St. Joseph?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Missouri?
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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 St. Joseph. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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