Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Wilmington, NC: $50,644 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Wilmington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,644 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.4 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,523 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,765) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology can expect a starting salary around $50,644 in 2026. This figure places entry-level professionals significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $70,765, highlighting a considerable gap that newcomers might experience in their early careers. However, there's a promising growth trajectory for these individuals, as they can progress towards earning the 25th percentile salary of $65,627 within the first few years. The local market is currently favorable for new graduates, especially as healthcare demand continues to rise and radiologic services expand in Wilmington.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
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 Wilmington
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Wilmington, NC typically start between $50,644 and $65,627 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,752 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,765 — 16.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 35.54% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,644/year) in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,644 to $65,627, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington'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 Wilmington is $55,752 ( 110.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,644, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,396.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,490
2025 BLS Actual
$48,100
2026 Current Est.
$50,644
2019–2027 Growth
+50.3%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,644 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,324 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, NC grew 35.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,490 in 2019 to $48,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,324. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Employers in Wilmington that commonly hire new radiologic technologist and technician grads include major hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training opportunities in CT and MRI during the first year or two. Outpatient imaging chains also seek candidates who are open to diverse modalities, and orthopedic practices typically prefer experienced technicians comfortable with specific extremity work. To boost starting pay in North Carolina, new grads should aim to graduate from JRCERT-accredited programs and seek ARRT national registration in radiography (R), along with any necessary state licenses. During the first three years, successful technologists often focus on cross-training into modalities such as mammography or CT to enhance their earning potential, while those who remain in pure radiography roles may find their salaries compressing at the lower end of the pay scale. Realistic salary expectations over the initial years indicate that diligent career planning and skill development can lead to substantial income growth in this evolving field.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wilmington in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Wilmington?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Wilmington?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Wilmington?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in North Carolina?
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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 Wilmington. 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