Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Jenks, OK: $52,384 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Jenks, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,384 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jenks's local price level (BEA RPP 88.911% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,925 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,600) within a few years of clinical practice.

$52,384
Starting Salary
$25.19/hr
Starting Hourly
$52,384
Entry Level
$71,600
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology and radiologic technician roles in Jenks, Oklahoma can expect an entry-level salary starting at approximately $52,384. This figure reflects the 10th percentile of salaries, revealing a substantial gap between starting pay and the city median annual salary of $71,600. Over the first few years, early-career professionals in Jenks may see their earnings grow to around $58,579, marking the 25th percentile, as they gain experience and increase their value in the marketplace. Given a projected growth rate of 5.29%, Jenks presents a favorable landscape for new graduates seeking to begin their careers and attain a stable income trajectory in radiologic technology.

About the Jenks Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Jenks

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$52,384/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$58,579/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$71,600/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$85,768/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jenks

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Jenks. The median salary is $71,600, compared to the national median of $84,348.$47.1K$61.4K$75.6K$89.9K$104.1K$52.4K10th Pctl$58.6K25th Pctl$71.6KMedian$85.8K75th Pctl$99.2K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Jenks, OK typically start between $52,384 and $58,579 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,785 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,60015.11% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$18,000
Avg OK Program Cost
$52,384
Starting Salary
34.36%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Oklahoma of $18,000 represents just 34.36% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,384/year) in Jenks. 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 Jenks

  • 1Research the Jenks market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,384 to $58,579, 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 Jenks, 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 Jenks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Jenks'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 Jenks is $46,785 ( 89.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,384, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,169.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$36,865

2025 BLS Actual

$49,752

2026 Current Est.

$52,384

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Jenks (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 Jenks. Baseline $36,865 in 2025, projected to $55,155 by 2027.$33.2K$39.6K$46.0K$52.4K$58.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.9K$37.5K$41.6K$42.4K$44.5K$37.1K$49.8K$52.4K$55.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$36,865Actual
2020$37,487Actual
2021$41,638Actual
2022$42,447Actual
2023$44,455Actual
2024$37,129Actual
2025$49,752Actual
2026(current)$52,384Estimated
2027$55,155Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Jenks, OK grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,865 in 2019 to $49,752 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,155. New graduates entering the Jenks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jenks 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 Jenks

In Jenks, major employers hiring entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians typically include local hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in specialized areas like CT during the first one to two years of employment. Outpatient imaging centers tend to recruit new grads as well, with an emphasis on cross-trained technicians to meet diverse patient needs. While some orthopedic practices prefer technicians who are already experienced in extremity imaging, starting credentials are crucial for enhancing pay in this field; graduates should focus on obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and consider pursuing further specialization in modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography. Gaining these credentials and pursuing continuing education through organizations like ASRT can significantly improve earning potential. In the first three years, entry-level professionals can realistically expect gradual salary increases, particularly with targeted cross-training, as pure radiography roles may plateau at lower salary levels, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the imaging landscape in Jenks, OK.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Jenks start at approximately $52,384/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 $25.18/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 Jenks?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Jenks progress from the entry-level salary of $52,384 to the area median of $71,600 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $99,169 (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 Jenks?

With a starting salary of $52,384/year in Jenks 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 Jenks?

New radiologic technology graduates in Jenks typically start near the 10th percentile at $52,384/year, or approximately $25.18/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 Jenks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Jenks 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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