Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Jacksonville, NC: $45,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Jacksonville, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,770 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 92.1 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,704 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,312) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the field of radiologic technology in Jacksonville, NC, offers new graduates a starting point with a projected salary of $45,770 in 2026. This figure reflects the beginning of a growth trajectory that new technologists can expect as they gain experience, with potential earnings reaching $59,868 at the 25th percentile within the first few years. While $67,312 represents the median annual salary for the profession in Jacksonville, many new graduates can feel optimistic about eventually closing that gap as they progress in their careers. With a growth rate of 5.29% projected over the next five years, Jacksonville appears to be a viable market for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians looking to begin their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Jacksonville, NC typically start between $45,770 and $59,868 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,683 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,312 — 20.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 39.33% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($45,770/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $45,770 to $59,868, 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville is $37,683 ( 82.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,770, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,310
2025 BLS Actual
$43,470
2026 Current Est.
$45,770
2019–2027 Growth
+8.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,191 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, NC grew -1.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,310 in 2019 to $43,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,191. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Hospitals in Jacksonville are primary employers and frequently hire new graduates, often offering paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MRI during their first year. Outpatient imaging centers are also active in recruiting recently credentialed technologists, though these may favor candidates who have already been cross-trained. Pursuing an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, earning ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and maintaining state licensing can significantly enhance starting pay for entry-level candidates. Given the shifting landscape due to the consolidation of outpatient imaging services, those who proactively seek further certifications from the ARRT, such as mammography, could see accelerated salary growth. In the first three years, new graduates can expect realistic growth in their earnings as they transition towards specialized roles, where opportunities for higher pay are increasingly available through cross-training and experience in the field.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Jacksonville?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Jacksonville?
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Related Pages
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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 Jacksonville. 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