Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Milwaukie, OR: $72,742 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Milwaukie, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,742 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Milwaukie's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,899 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,884) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of radiologic technology in Milwaukie, Oregon, the starting salary offers a competitive entry point into the healthcare sector. The 2026 projected entry-level salary sits at $72,742, which significantly trails the city's median pay of $96,884. New graduates can expect their earnings to grow steadily within the first few years, as they typically move from entry-level positions to more lucrative roles with experience, with projections suggesting a rise to $80,694 at the 25th percentile before eventually reaching the median salary. Given these figures, Milwaukie appears to be a favorable market for aspiring radiologic technologists, particularly considering the anticipated growth rate of 5.29% within this profession.
About the Milwaukie Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Milwaukie
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 Milwaukie
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Milwaukie, OR typically start between $72,742 and $80,694 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,559 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,884 — 14.86% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Oregon of $28,000 represents just 38.49% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($72,742/year) in Milwaukie. 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 Milwaukie
- 1Research the Milwaukie market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $72,742 to $80,694, 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 Milwaukie, 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 Milwaukie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Milwaukie'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 Milwaukie is $63,559 ( 87.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,742, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,301.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,192
2025 BLS Actual
$69,087
2026 Current Est.
$72,742
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Milwaukie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,056 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,742 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,590 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Milwaukie, OR grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,192 in 2019 to $69,087 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,590. New graduates entering the Milwaukie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie
As new entrants to the field, graduates can benefit from focusing on key employers in Milwaukie, particularly hospital systems that often provide cross-training in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging facilities may seek candidates with specialized modality training, while orthopedic practices may prefer experienced techs familiar with extremity imaging. To enhance earning potential, obtaining an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, as well as securing ARRT registration and any state licenses where applicable, will prove essential. The pathway to increased earnings typically involves cross-training opportunities, as pure radiography positions may plateau quickly. New professionals can realistically anticipate a moderate salary increase within the first three years as they gain valuable experience and possibly additional ARRT credentials in specialized areas like mammography.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Milwaukie in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Milwaukie?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Milwaukie?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Milwaukie?
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 Milwaukie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Milwaukie 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