Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $67,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Lakewood, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,507 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,600 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,410) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians entering the workforce in Lakewood, NJ, the starting pay can be quite competitive. In 2026, entry-level professionals can anticipate a starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Lakewood around $67,507, significantly lower than the city's median salary of $96,410. This gap highlights the potential for growth as new graduates begin their careers. Over the first few years, it is realistic to expect salaries to advance through the P25 marker at $77,618, and potentially reach the median within three to five years, reflecting the promising demand for skilled technologists in the region. Given Lakewood’s effective market conditions and a projected growth rate of 5.29% annually, this area could prove advantageous for new entries into the field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Lakewood, NJ typically start between $67,507 and $77,618 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,898 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,410 — 14.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in New Jersey of $34,000 represents just 50.37% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($67,507/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $67,507 to $77,618, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Lakewood's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Lakewood is $80,898 ( 119.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,507, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,405.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,508
2025 BLS Actual
$64,115
2026 Current Est.
$67,507
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,508 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,658 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,078 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, NJ grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,508 in 2019 to $64,115 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,078. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Employment opportunities for new graduates are primarily abundant in hospital systems that often hire fresh graduates and provide on-the-job cross-training in critical imaging modalities such as CT and MRI. Outpatient imaging chains also seek entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians, though they generally prefer candidates with a more versatile skill set. Credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, such as an ARRT national registration in radiography (R), are crucial for enhancing the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Lakewood. Focused continuing education and acquiring additional ARRT modality certifications can further boost earning potential. To achieve substantial growth in salary during the initial one to three years, aspiring professionals should aim for cross-training opportunities, as pure radiography roles often lead to stagnation at the lower end of the pay scale. The consolidation of outpatient chains has reshaped growth dynamics, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in this collaborative workforce.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lakewood in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Lakewood?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lakewood?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Lakewood?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in New Jersey?
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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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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