Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Bethany, OK: $50,826 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Bethany, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,826 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bethany's local price level (BEA RPP 88.911% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,172 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,962) within a few years of clinical practice.

$50,826
Starting Salary
$24.44/hr
Starting Hourly
$50,826
Entry Level
$70,962
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Bethany, OK — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bethany, OK radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For graduates entering the field in 2026, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Bethany is projected to be approximately $50,826. This figure is notably lower than the city's median salary of $70,962, indicating a significant gap that many new professionals experience. However, there is potential for early-career growth; many can expect their salaries to rise to around $57,263 as they gain experience and expertise over the initial years. Considering Bethany's relatively low cost of living index of 88.9, the local market offers a reasonable opportunity for new grads. With a projected growth rate of 5.29%, the job outlook for this profession remains promising, making it a good time for recent graduates to enter the workforce in this area.

About the Bethany Market

Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Bethany

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$50,826/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$57,263/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$70,962/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$86,774/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethany

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Bethany. The median salary is $70,962, compared to the national median of $84,348.$45.7K$60.9K$76.2K$91.4K$106.6K$50.8K10th Pctl$57.3K25th Pctl$71.0KMedian$86.8K75th Pctl$101.5K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Bethany, OK typically start between $50,826 and $57,263 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,662 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,96215.87% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Bethany metro area.

Return on Investment

$18,000
Avg OK Program Cost
$50,826
Starting Salary
35.41%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Oklahoma of $18,000 represents just 35.41% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,826/year) in Bethany. 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 Bethany

  • 1Research the Bethany market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,826 to $57,263, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bethany, 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 Bethany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Bethany'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 Bethany is $50,662 ( 99.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,826, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,488.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$35,769

2025 BLS Actual

$48,272

2026 Current Est.

$50,826

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Bethany (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bethany. Baseline $35,769 in 2025, projected to $53,514 by 2027.$32.2K$38.4K$44.6K$50.9K$57.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$35.8K$36.4K$40.4K$41.2K$43.1K$36.0K$48.3K$50.8K$53.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$35,769Actual
2020$36,372Actual
2021$40,399Actual
2022$41,184Actual
2023$43,133Actual
2024$35,996Actual
2025$48,272Actual
2026(current)$50,826Estimated
2027$53,514Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Bethany, OK grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,769 in 2019 to $48,272 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,514. New graduates entering the Bethany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethany metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Bethany

Looking at employment opportunities, major employers in Bethany include hospital systems that tend to hire new grads, often providing paid cross-training in CT, allowing for skill enhancement early in one's career. Outpatient imaging chains also seek individuals ready for cross-training, while orthopedic practices typically prefer those with more experience. For new technologists looking to boost their entry-level pay in Oklahoma, obtaining an Associate’s or Bachelor's from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieving ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and securing any necessary state licenses can significantly improve job prospects and starting wages. Given the industry trend towards cross-training into modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography, which can lead to higher salaries, it's advisable for new technologists in Bethany to focus on these opportunities for advancement in the first few years. Realistically, a motivated entry-level radiologic technologist can expect meaningful salary increases as they diversify their skills and build their professional portfolio in the competitive landscape of healthcare imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bethany in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Bethany start at approximately $50,826/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $24.44/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Bethany?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Bethany progress from the entry-level salary of $50,826 to the area median of $70,962 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $101,488 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Bethany?

With a starting salary of $50,826/year in Bethany and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Bethany?

New radiologic technology graduates in Bethany typically start near the 10th percentile at $50,826/year, or approximately $24.44/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Oklahoma?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Oklahoma, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Oklahoma, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oklahoma

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 Bethany. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Bethany is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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