Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Gresham, OR: $72,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Gresham, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,156 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gresham's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,327 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,863) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gresham, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected at $72,156 for 2026, which is significantly below the city median of $107,863. This gap indicates that while starting pay can be modest, new graduates can anticipate rapid growth in their earnings over the first few years. In just three to five years, a radiologic technologist can realistically move from the starting figure towards the 25th percentile salary of $84,368, especially if they engage in further specialized training or certifications. With a growth rate of 5.29%, Gresham currently presents a favorable market for new graduates, offering opportunities that can lead to improved financial stability as they advance in their careers.
About the Gresham Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gresham
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 Gresham
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Gresham, OR typically start between $72,156 and $84,368 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,342 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,863 — 27.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Oregon of $28,000 represents just 38.80% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($72,156/year) in Gresham. 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 Gresham
- 1Research the Gresham market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $72,156 to $84,368, 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 Gresham, 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 Gresham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gresham'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 Gresham is $85,342 ( 118.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,156, experienced hygienists can earn up to $157,498.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,780
2025 BLS Actual
$68,531
2026 Current Est.
$72,156
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Gresham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,354 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,468 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,235 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,973 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Gresham, OR grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,780 in 2019 to $68,531 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,973. New graduates entering the Gresham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gresham 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 Gresham
Regional employers typically hire fresh graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs, with major hospital systems often providing comprehensive opportunities that include paid CT cross-training within the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains are keen on recruiting cross-trained radiologic technologists, while orthopedic practices generally prefer candidates who possess experience with extremity imaging. Credentials like ARRT national registration in radiography and any state licensing can greatly enhance starting pay in Oregon. As graduates embark on their careers, it’s advisable to pursue additional ARRT modality certifications in areas such as CT, MRI, or mammography to maximize future earnings. Realistic salary expectations for the early years suggest that combined with progressive responsibilities and cross-training, early-career professionals can quickly elevate their pay, paving the way for advancement in this competitive field.
More salary data for Gresham, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Gresham in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Gresham?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Gresham?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Gresham?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Oregon?
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 Gresham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gresham 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