Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Stillwater, OK: $52,126 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Stillwater, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,126 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stillwater's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,634 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,944) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Stillwater, OK, is projected to start at approximately $52,126 annually, a figure notably lower than the city's median of $72,944. This means new grads can expect a gap of around $20,000 as they transition into the workforce. Over the first 3-5 years, salaries are anticipated to rise as techs gain experience, with some moving up to the 25th percentile at $59,331, and eventually reaching the median salary level. For recent graduates looking to establish their careers, Stillwater presents a dynamic market with a competitive entry point despite the initial disparities in pay when compared to seasoned professionals.
About the Stillwater Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stillwater
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 Stillwater
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Stillwater, OK typically start between $52,126 and $59,331 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,992 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,944 — 13.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Oklahoma of $18,000 represents just 34.53% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,126/year) in Stillwater. 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 Stillwater
- 1Research the Stillwater market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,126 to $59,331, 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 Stillwater, 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 Stillwater for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stillwater'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 Stillwater is $57,992 ( 111.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,126, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,118.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,684
2025 BLS Actual
$49,507
2026 Current Est.
$52,126
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Stillwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,303 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,433 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,237 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,236 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,126 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,883 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Stillwater, OK grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,684 in 2019 to $49,507 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,883. New graduates entering the Stillwater job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stillwater 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 Stillwater
Employers in Stillwater such as local hospital systems and outpatient imaging centers are the primary recruiters for fresh radiologic technologist and technician graduates. Many of these facilities offer paid cross-training programs in advanced modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography, which are often essential for enhancing one's marketability and salary potential in the region. Obtaining an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, securing ARRT registration in radiography (R), and fulfilling state licensing requirements where applicable can significantly boost starting pay. In the first 1-3 years, techs can realistically expect their salaries to increase as they gain additional certifications through ARRT, given that cross-training into specialties is generally the path to higher wages. The consolidation of outpatient imaging chains has reshaped the field, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new roles that complement radiography and expanding skill sets to stay competitive.
More salary data for Stillwater, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Stillwater in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Stillwater?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Stillwater?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Stillwater?
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Related Pages
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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 Stillwater. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stillwater is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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