Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Concord, NC: $57,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Concord, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,038 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,938 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,487) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Concord, North Carolina, can expect a starting salary around $57,038. While this figure represents the lower end of the spectrum for entry-level positions, it is important to remember the city’s median salary for radiologic technologists and technicians stands at $84,487, suggesting a significant growth potential as one gains experience. Within the first three to five years, many professionals can transition from this entry-level range to salaries closer to $66,413 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median as they hone their skills in the industry. For new graduates, Concord remains an enticing market due to its promising salary trajectory and a good number of employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Concord, NC typically start between $57,038 and $66,413 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,257 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,487 — 0.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 31.56% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,038/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,038 to $66,413, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $70,257 ( 123.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,038, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,295.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,140
2025 BLS Actual
$54,172
2026 Current Est.
$57,038
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Concord (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 | $40,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,337 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,285 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,172 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,055 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NC grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,140 in 2019 to $54,172 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,055. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
Employers in Concord that typically hire entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians include local hospital systems, which often offer cross-training programs in CT and other modalities during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging facilities also actively seek new graduates, especially those who have pursued cross-training in multiple imaging areas. To enhance earning potential, candidates should focus on obtaining credentials from ARRT, such as national registration in radiography (R), and consider further specialization with additional ARRT certifications in CT, MRI, and mammography. This strategy is critical since many positions in the early career stages are primarily in basic radiography, where pay can stagnate. Targets such as cross-training into advanced modalities are essential for climbing the pay scale. With realistic growth expectations in the first few years, new grad radiologic technologists in Concord may find themselves progressing significantly as they align with industry trends and fulfill employer demands.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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