Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pendleton, OR: $75,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pendleton, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,040 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pendleton's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,138 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,268) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologic technologists and technicians entering the field in Pendleton, Oregon, can expect a starting salary of approximately $75,040 in 2026. This figure marks a significant entry point compared to the city’s median annual salary of $101,268, illustrating a gap that new graduates will work to close over time. In the early years of their careers, they can anticipate a gradual increase in pay, moving from the entry-level salary to around $83,623 as they gain experience and potentially take on additional responsibilities. With a 5.29% growth rate projected annually, Pendleton presents a relatively promising market for newly licensed radiologic professionals looking for their first roles.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pendleton
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 Pendleton
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pendleton, OR typically start between $75,040 and $83,623 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,920 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,268 — 20.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Oregon of $28,000 represents just 37.31% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($75,040/year) in Pendleton. 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 Pendleton
- 1Research the Pendleton market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $75,040 to $83,623, 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 Pendleton, 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 Pendleton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pendleton'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 Pendleton is $62,920 ( 83.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,040, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,960.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,810
2025 BLS Actual
$71,270
2026 Current Est.
$75,040
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,701 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,646 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,805 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,682 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,004 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,010 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pendleton, OR grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,810 in 2019 to $71,270 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,010. New graduates entering the Pendleton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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 Pendleton
Employers in Pendleton that may hire new graduates include major hospital systems, which often provide avenues for cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MRI within the first two years of employment. Outpatient imaging centers frequently seek entry-level technologists for immediate staffing needs, especially those who are cross-trained; however, orthopedic practices tend to favor candidates with experience, particularly in extremity imaging. Graduates holding credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, as well as ARRT national registration in radiography, will have a competitive edge in securing higher starting pay. Specific strategies for early-career technologists should include pursuing additional modality certifications to position themselves for advancement. Salary growth in the first three years can align closely with expanding skill sets, as those who specialize in cross-training generally move towards more lucrative opportunities, leaving pure radiography roles compressed near the lower end of the pay scale.
More salary data for Pendleton, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pendleton in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Pendleton?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pendleton?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Pendleton?
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 Pendleton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pendleton 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