Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pinehurst, NC: $46,938 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pinehurst, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,938 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pinehurst's local price level (BEA RPP 88.3 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,136 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,123) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Pinehurst, North Carolina can expect an entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary averaging around $46,938. This starting pay is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $68,123, indicating that fresh graduates may need to navigate a challenging initial compensation landscape. However, there is optimism as entry-level professionals typically experience a positive growth trajectory; over the first three to five years, salaries can increase from the starting range to about $64,343, ultimately moving towards the city's median salary. For those considering a career in this field, Pinehurst currently represents a promising job market, given the anticipated growth rate of 5.29% annually, which aligns well with the long-term demand for radiologic services in the area.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pinehurst
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 Pinehurst
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pinehurst, NC typically start between $46,938 and $64,343 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,656 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,123 — 19.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 38.35% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($46,938/year) in Pinehurst. 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 Pinehurst
- 1Research the Pinehurst market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $46,938 to $64,343, 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 Pinehurst, 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 Pinehurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pinehurst'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 Pinehurst is $51,656 ( 110.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,938, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,594.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,033
2025 BLS Actual
$44,580
2026 Current Est.
$46,938
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,034 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,938 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,421 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pinehurst, NC grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,033 in 2019 to $44,580 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,421. New graduates entering the Pinehurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst
In Pinehurst, various employers such as local hospital systems are known for hiring newly credentialed radiologic technologists and technicians, often providing paid cross-training opportunities in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within the first couple of years. While outpatient imaging chains also recruit entry-level techs, orthopedic practices typically prefer those with experience relevant to extremity imaging. To maximize entry-level pay in NC, candidates are encouraged to pursue an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, obtain ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and secure state licensure where applicable. For new graduates, cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography can be crucial as the path to higher pay, especially since positions focused solely on radiography often see salary compression at the lower end. With strategic career moves within their first three years, newcomers can realistically expect to see meaningful salary growth compared to their original wages, as they adapt to the changing landscape of radiologic imaging.
More salary data for Pinehurst, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Pinehurst?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pinehurst?
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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 Pinehurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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