Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Raleigh, NC: $57,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Raleigh, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,088 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Raleigh's local price level (BEA RPP 98.2 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,160 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,818) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for new graduates in the field of radiologic technology in Raleigh, NC, are projected to be around $57,088 in 2026. This entry-level figure sits notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $71,818, creating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. As entry-level technologists gain experience, salaries can increase significantly—advancing to about $63,890 by the 25th percentile within a few years and progressing further toward the median as they build their skills and reputation. With a growth rate of 5.29% anticipated in the coming years, Raleigh appears to be a promising market for new graduates seeking opportunities in this field, particularly as the demand for radiologic services continues to rise.
Career Earnings Timeline in Raleigh
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 Raleigh
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Raleigh, NC typically start between $57,088 and $63,890 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,643 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,818 — 14.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 31.53% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,088/year) in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh
- 1Research the Raleigh market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,088 to $63,890, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Raleigh'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 Raleigh is $44,643 ( 78.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,088, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,731.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,760
2025 BLS Actual
$54,220
2026 Current Est.
$57,088
2019–2027 Growth
+51.2%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,108 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Raleigh, NC grew 36.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,760 in 2019 to $54,220 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,108. New graduates entering the Raleigh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh
In Raleigh, several employers actively recruit new graduate radiologic technologists and technicians, especially within hospital systems that offer training programs, including paid cross-training opportunities in CT and MRI within the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers also seek freshly graduated technologists with an emphasis on modalities that enhance their skill sets. Obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT national registration in radiography, and state licensure where applicable is essential; these qualifications can significantly impact starting pay in North Carolina. For those entering the profession, cross-training can lead to higher positions and pay—a necessary strategy in light of market trends where pure radiography roles tend to compress. With calculated career moves, such as pursuing certifications in CT or mammography, early-career radiologic technologists can expect realistic salary growth and increased job stability in the Raleigh area as they progress through their first three years.
More salary data for Raleigh, 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 Raleigh. 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