Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Los Alamos, NM: $55,212 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Los Alamos, NM job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,212 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Los Alamos's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,487 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,389) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Los Alamos, NM, the starting pay offers a realistic pathway to financial stability, though potential earners should prepare for an entry-level salary of around $55,212. This amount is significantly below the city median annual salary of $73,389, indicating a clear gap that entry-level professionals will need to navigate in their early careers. However, there's an upward trajectory to consider; as they gain experience, new technologists can expect to progress from the initial figure towards earnings at the P25 level of $61,380 within a few years. With a projected growth rate of 5.29% annually, Los Alamos presents a moderately favorable market for new grads, combining opportunities for advancement with an attractive cost of living index of 94.4.
About the Los Alamos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Los Alamos
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 Los Alamos
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Los Alamos, NM typically start between $55,212 and $61,380 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,643 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,389 — 12.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in New Mexico of $18,000 represents just 32.60% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,212/year) in Los Alamos. 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 Los Alamos
- 1Research the Los Alamos market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,212 to $61,380, 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 NM often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Los Alamos, 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 Los Alamos for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Los Alamos'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 Los Alamos is $48,643 ( 88.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,212, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,855.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,855
2025 BLS Actual
$52,438
2026 Current Est.
$55,212
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Los Alamos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,511 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,886 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,174 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,212 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,133 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Los Alamos, NM grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,855 in 2019 to $52,438 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,133. New graduates entering the Los Alamos job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos
Employers in Los Alamos typically prioritize hospitals and outpatient imaging chains, providing ample opportunities for recent graduates who acquire relevant credentials. New grads should target positions that offer cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography, as these additional skills significantly enhance earning potential and job security in an evolving job market. Credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and any state-specific licenses, are essential for standing out. Continuous education and obtaining additional ARRT modality certifications are beneficial strategies for driving upward salary movement. Those beginning in pure radiography roles may find their pay stagnating, making cross-training a critical step for enhancing their career and compensation over the first three years. Managing realistic salary growth expectations during this period can set a positive financial foundation for the years ahead.
More salary data for Los Alamos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Los Alamos in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Los Alamos?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Los Alamos?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Los Alamos?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in New Mexico?
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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 Los Alamos. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Los Alamos 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