Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $77,217 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Hillsboro, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,217 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hillsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,260 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,866) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hillsboro, Oregon, a new graduate stepping into the role of a radiologic technologist or technician can expect a starting salary around $77,217 in 2026. This initial figure falls significantly below the median for the city, which is projected at $112,866, reflecting a gap of $35,649. However, the trajectory for early-career professionals is promising, with potential earnings increasing as they gain experience; salaries in this field could rise to around $89,579 within the first few years. Hillsboro presents a favorable market for fresh graduates, partly due to its robust healthcare infrastructure and a growing demand for imaging professionals, offering promising opportunities for entry-level positions.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hillsboro
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 Hillsboro
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Hillsboro, OR typically start between $77,217 and $89,579 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,814 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,866 — 33.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Oregon of $28,000 represents just 36.26% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($77,217/year) in Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro
- 1Research the Hillsboro market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $77,217 to $89,579, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro is $89,814 ( 116.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,217, experienced hygienists can earn up to $167,031.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,341
2025 BLS Actual
$73,337
2026 Current Est.
$77,217
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,258 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,337 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,217 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,301 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hillsboro, OR grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,341 in 2019 to $73,337 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,301. New graduates entering the Hillsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Employers in the Hillsboro area primarily include hospital systems, which often hire recent graduates and provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT within their first couple of years. Additionally, outpatient imaging chains seek cross-trained technicians, while some orthopedic practices tend to recruit individuals with specific experience in extremity work. To enhance earning potential, obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration in radiography (R), can be beneficial. Career progression typically involves cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography, as pure radiography roles often experience slower pay growth. Realistically, new graduates can expect their salaries to rise gradually over the first three years as they engage in continuing education and gain more experience in specialized modalities.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Hillsboro?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Hillsboro?
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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 Hillsboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hillsboro 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