Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Omaha, NE: $61,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Omaha, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,026 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Omaha's local price level (BEA RPP 91.9 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,397 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,652) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Starting a career as a radiologic technologist or technician in Omaha, Nebraska can provide budding professionals with a competitive entry-level salary. For those entering the workforce in 2026, the starting pay is projected to be around $61,026, a figure that may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $80,652, creating a gap new graduates will experience early in their careers. However, there is potential for significant salary growth within the first few years; as entry-level professionals gain experience and meet certain benchmarks, their pay could rise through the first quartile (P25) at $67,554 and potentially approach the median as they establish themselves in the field. Overall, Omaha appears to be a promising market for new graduates, particularly since the demand for radiologic services continues to grow at an annual rate of 5.29%.
Career Earnings Timeline in Omaha
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 Omaha
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Omaha, NE typically start between $61,026 and $67,554 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,012 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,652 — 4.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Nebraska of $20,000 represents just 32.77% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($61,026/year) in Omaha. 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 Omaha
- 1Research the Omaha market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $61,026 to $67,554, 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 Omaha, 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 Omaha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Omaha'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 Omaha is $45,012 ( 73.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,026, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,038.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,900
2025 BLS Actual
$57,960
2026 Current Est.
$61,026
2019–2027 Growth
+61.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,254 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Omaha, NE grew 45.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,900 in 2019 to $57,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,254. New graduates entering the Omaha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Omaha 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 Omaha
Employers in Omaha actively seek new graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs, primarily within hospital systems, where many radiologic techs begin their careers with paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT or MRI. Outpatient imaging facilities also recruit recent grads, often favoring those who are cross-trained, while orthopedic practices may prefer experienced technicians who can handle extremity imaging. To enhance starting pay in Nebraska, graduates should pursue ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and acquire state licenses where required. Continuous education and earning additional ARRT certifications in specialized areas could boost a new grad's earning potential. Career strategies in the first few years often revolve around cross-training into various modalities, which is crucial for higher remuneration, as roles focused purely on radiography tend to stagnate at the entry-level pay scale in this evolving job landscape. Realistic expectations for salary progression within the first three years take into account both market dynamics and the competitive nature of imaging professions in Omaha.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Omaha in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Omaha?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Omaha?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Omaha?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Nebraska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 Omaha. 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