Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Coos Bay, OR: $71,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Coos Bay, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,355 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coos Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,547 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,721) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Coos Bay, Oregon, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected to start around $71,355 annually in 2026. This figure reflects the beginning of a career in a promising field where new grads can anticipate a substantial growth trajectory over the first few years. By gaining experience and potentially advancing to $84,342 at the 25th percentile, fresh graduates can eventually close the gap with the city’s median salary of $99,721. This positive outlook makes Coos Bay a viable market for recent graduates, particularly given the city's increasing demand for healthcare services and imaging technologies. The competitive entry-level pay is notably higher than the national median of $84,348, positioning Coos Bay favorably for those starting their careers.
About the Coos Bay Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coos Bay
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 Coos Bay
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Coos Bay, OR typically start between $71,355 and $84,342 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,188 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,721 — 18.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Oregon of $28,000 represents just 39.24% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($71,355/year) in Coos Bay. 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 Coos Bay
- 1Research the Coos Bay market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $71,355 to $84,342, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coos Bay, 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 Coos Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coos Bay'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 Coos Bay is $71,188 ( 99.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,355, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,543.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,216
2025 BLS Actual
$67,770
2026 Current Est.
$71,355
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Coos Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,064 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,882 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,130 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Coos Bay, OR grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,216 in 2019 to $67,770 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,130. New graduates entering the Coos Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coos Bay 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 Coos Bay
In Coos Bay, major employers that frequently hire new graduates include local hospital systems, which often offer paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT) within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains actively seek cross-trained technicians, while orthopedic practices typically prefer technologists with some experience in extremity work. To enhance starting salaries in Oregon, it is beneficial for new grads to possess an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, alongside national registration from the ARRT in radiography. Additionally, obtaining further credentials in specialized modalities—such as CT, MRI, or mammography—can lead to accelerated salary growth. In the competitive entry-level landscape, pursuing these avenues in the first three years can dramatically influence pay. Given the current industry dynamics, graduates focusing solely on pure radiography roles may face limited growth, while those who embrace cross-training will find a pathway to higher earnings and expanded opportunities to thrive in the health imaging sector.
More salary data for Coos Bay, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Coos Bay in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Coos Bay?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Coos Bay?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Coos Bay?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Oregon?
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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 Coos Bay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coos Bay 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