Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Carson City, NV: $50,044 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Carson City, NV job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,044 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Carson City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,998 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,412) within a few years of clinical practice.

$50,044
Starting Salary
$24.06/hr
Starting Hourly
$50,044
Entry Level
$88,412
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

Salaries for those entering the field of radiologic technology in Carson City can start quite competitively. The entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary Carson City offers is approximately $50,044, a figure that serves as a baseline for new graduates. While this is significantly lower than the citywide median salary of $88,412, it creates a clear pathway for salary growth over the first few years in the profession. As entry-level positions evolve into more experienced roles, new professionals can expect to see their earnings climb closer to $74,461 after gaining initial on-the-job experience. Given Carson City's projected job growth for this sector, which is at an annual rate of 5.29%, this region remains a promising market for new grads looking to establish their careers.

Career Earnings Timeline in Carson City

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$50,044/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$74,461/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$88,412/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$105,659/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson City

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Carson City. The median salary is $88,412, compared to the national median of $84,348.$45.0K$66.9K$88.7K$110.6K$132.4K$50.0K10th Pctl$74.5K25th Pctl$88.4KMedian$105.7K75th Pctl$126.1K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Carson City, NV typically start between $50,044 and $74,461 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,051 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,4124.82% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$26,000
Avg NV Program Cost
$50,044
Starting Salary
51.95%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Nevada of $26,000 represents just 51.95% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,044/year) in Carson City. 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 Carson City

  • 1Research the Carson City market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,044 to $74,461, 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 NV often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Carson City, 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 Carson City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Carson City's moderate 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 Carson City is $76,051 ( 151.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,044, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,095.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$56,170

2025 BLS Actual

$47,530

2026 Current Est.

$50,044

2019–2027 Growth

+-6.2%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Carson City (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 Carson City. Baseline $56,170 in 2025, projected to $52,692 by 2027.$36.5K$42.2K$48.0K$53.7K$59.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$56.2K$55.9K$39.8K$40.6K$42.5K$50.4K$47.5K$50.0K$52.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$56,170Actual
2020$55,870Actual
2021$39,778Actual
2022$40,551Actual
2023$42,470Actual
2024$50,442Actual
2025$47,530Actual
2026(current)$50,044Estimated
2027$52,692Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Carson City, NV grew -15.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,170 in 2019 to $47,530 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,692. New graduates entering the Carson City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson City 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 Carson City

In Carson City, various healthcare employers actively seek out recent graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs. Major hospital systems typically provide favorable environments for entry-level hires, often offering paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT within the first two years. Outpatient imaging chains also recruit newly trained technologists who may bring additional skills, while orthopedic practices often prefer candidates with experience, particularly in extremity work. Obtaining an ARRT registration in radiography (R) and pursuing state licensure where necessary can enhance starting radiologic technologist and technician pay NV. To maximize salary potential, newcomers are encouraged to consider cross-training into areas like CT, MRI, or mammography, as such skill diversification can lead to better-paying roles over the first critical years in the field. As new professionals build their careers, they may find that realistic salary growth expectations are achievable, with many advancing significantly beyond initial entry points as they gain experience and credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Carson City start at approximately $50,044/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 $24.06/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 Carson City?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Carson City progress from the entry-level salary of $50,044 to the area median of $88,412 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $126,095 (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 Carson City?

With a starting salary of $50,044/year in Carson City 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 Carson City?

New radiologic technology graduates in Carson City typically start near the 10th percentile at $50,044/year, or approximately $24.06/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 Nevada?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Nevada, 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 Nevada, 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 Nevada

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 Carson City. 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

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