Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Bellevue, NE: $52,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Bellevue, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,564 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bellevue's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,447 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,735) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those beginning their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Bellevue, Nebraska, the entry-level salary sets realistic expectations. In 2026, new graduates can anticipate a starting pay around $52,564, considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $74,735. This gap indicates the potential for growth as professionals typically see an increase from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, which is projected at $60,386. Within the first 3-5 years, individuals may find themselves progressing towards the median salary, demonstrating that Bellevue offers a viable job market for new grads looking to establish themselves in this field. With a growth rate of 5.29%, the long-term outlook for early-career professionals appears promising.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bellevue
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 Bellevue
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Bellevue, NE typically start between $52,564 and $60,386 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,587 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,735 — 11.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Nebraska of $20,000 represents just 38.05% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,564/year) in Bellevue. 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 Bellevue
- 1Research the Bellevue market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,564 to $60,386, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bellevue, 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 Bellevue for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bellevue'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 Bellevue is $59,587 ( 113.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,564, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,151.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,992
2025 BLS Actual
$49,923
2026 Current Est.
$52,564
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,992 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,781 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,592 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,345 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Bellevue, NE grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,992 in 2019 to $49,923 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,345. New graduates entering the Bellevue job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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 Bellevue
The job market for new graduates in Bellevue is primarily supported by local hospital systems that frequently hire entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians. These institutions often provide valuable opportunities for paid cross-training in advanced modalities like computed tomography (CT) within the first year or two of employment. This robust training can significantly enhance initial pay prospects. Prospective employees should focus on obtaining credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs, national ARRT registration in radiography (R), and any relevant state licenses, as these qualifications can elevate starting salaries. Given the current trajectory of outpatient imaging chains, cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography has become the industry standard for increased earnings. For entry-level professionals, realistic salary growth can be expected as they transition from pure radiography, aligning with the evolving demands of the job market in Bellevue and enhancing their professional value within the region.
More salary data for Bellevue, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bellevue in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Bellevue?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Bellevue?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Bellevue?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Nebraska?
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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 Bellevue. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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