Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Los Lunas, NM: $57,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Los Lunas, NM job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,037 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Los Lunas's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,421 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,006) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates aiming for a career as radiologic technologists and technicians in Los Lunas, NM, can expect a starting salary of around $57,037. Although this entry-level figure may initially seem modest when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $74,006, it represents a viable entry point into a growing field with potential for significant salary increases over time. Within the first few years, it’s realistic for new professionals to anticipate their earnings reaching $62,651 as they gain experience and build competencies. Given the positive growth trajectory of 5.29% in this profession, Los Lunas appears to be a favorable market for entry-level candidates, offering opportunities for advancement with appropriate effort and skill development.
About the Los Lunas Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Los Lunas
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 Lunas
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Los Lunas, NM typically start between $57,037 and $62,651 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,006 — 12.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in New Mexico of $18,000 represents just 31.56% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,037/year) in Los Lunas. 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 Lunas
- 1Research the Los Lunas market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,037 to $62,651, 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 Lunas, 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 Lunas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Los Lunas'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 Lunas is $46,300 ( 81.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,037, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,337.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,140
2025 BLS Actual
$54,171
2026 Current Est.
$57,037
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Los Lunas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,502 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,171 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,054 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Los Lunas, NM grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,140 in 2019 to $54,171 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,054. New graduates entering the Los Lunas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Lunas 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 Lunas
To enhance their career prospects in Los Lunas, new graduates should focus on specific employers that frequently hire for entry-level positions, including local hospital systems that commonly offer cross-training in advanced modalities like CT or MRI within the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging clinics also seek trained technologists, often valuing those with additional credentials. Having a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program is essential, and attaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R) along with any necessary state licenses can significantly influence starting salaries. As the field increasingly favors cross-trained professionals, those who pursue certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography will find themselves better positioned for higher pay. Realistic salary growth expectations in the initial years can lead to substantial earning potential, allowing for a fulfilling career in radiologic technology in the evolving landscape of healthcare in New Mexico.
More salary data for Los Lunas, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Los Lunas in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Los Lunas?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Los Lunas?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Los Lunas?
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 Lunas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Los Lunas 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