Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Lincoln, NE: $53,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Lincoln, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,550 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lincoln's local price level (BEA RPP 91.6 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,473 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,545) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduating in 2026, new radiologic technologists and technicians in Lincoln, NE, can expect a starting salary around $53,550, which is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $71,545. For entry-level professionals, this initial figure represents a gap that will narrow over time. With reasonable career progression, salaries typically move from starting pay up to approximately $64,490 after a few years in the field, aligning more closely with the median as experience and skill set expand. This growth trajectory highlights Lincoln's potential as a favorable market for recent graduates seeking stable employment opportunities in radiologic technology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lincoln
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 Lincoln
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Lincoln, NE typically start between $53,550 and $64,490 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,950 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,545 — 15.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Nebraska of $20,000 represents just 37.35% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,550/year) in Lincoln. 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 Lincoln
- 1Research the Lincoln market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,550 to $64,490, 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 Lincoln, 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 Lincoln for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lincoln'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 Lincoln is $49,950 ( 93.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,550, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,500.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,540
2025 BLS Actual
$50,860
2026 Current Est.
$53,550
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,383 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Lincoln, NE grew 19.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,540 in 2019 to $50,860 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,383. New graduates entering the Lincoln job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Most entry-level positions in Lincoln are found in hospital systems that often provide cross-training opportunities in CT imaging during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices also seek new grads, though the latter may lean towards candidates with some experience specifically in extremity imaging. To enhance earning potential, it's vital for newcomers to hold a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtain their ARRT national registration. Those who pursue additional ARRT certifications as they gain experience in modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography typically see better pay and job security. For individuals in their first three years, realistic salary growth encompasses moving into roles that demand cross-training, as the pure radiography positions tend to have stagnant pay scales due to market consolidation.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Lincoln?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lincoln?
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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 Lincoln. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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