Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Syracuse, NY: $69,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Syracuse, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,649 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 95.7 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,747 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,508) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Syracuse, recent graduates can expect a starting radiologic technologist and technician salary of approximately $69,649 in 2026. While this entry-level pay may seem modest compared to the city median of $92,508, it reflects a strategic entry point into the industry. Over their first few years, many new professionals can realistically anticipate growth in their earnings, moving from the entry-level pay towards the 25th percentile salary of $83,232. This gradual increase is favorable for new graduates, as the projected growth rate of 5.29% indicates a healthy medical job market in Syracuse, making it an attractive location for those embarking on this career path.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Syracuse, NY typically start between $69,649 and $83,232 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,643 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,508 — 9.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in New York of $38,000 represents just 54.56% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($69,649/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $69,649 to $83,232, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $43,643 ( 62.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,649, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,292.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,840
2025 BLS Actual
$66,150
2026 Current Est.
$69,649
2019–2027 Growth
+71.2%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,334 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, NY grew 54.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,840 in 2019 to $66,150 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,334. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Hospitals are the primary employers of new radiologic technologist and technician graduates in Syracuse, often providing roles that come with opportunities for paid cross-training in modalities like CT in the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices also hire, with the latter generally preferring experienced candidates. New graduates can significantly enhance their salary potential by obtaining an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and becoming ARRT certified in radiography (R), as well as maintaining state licensure. Those who pursue additional certifications in advanced modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography stand to benefit the most, as cross-training is becoming the standard path to higher pay. In the first three years, realistic salary growth can be achieved as technologists expand their skill set, underscoring the importance of continuous education and workforce integration through associations like the ASRT.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Syracuse. 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