Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $53,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Wilkes-Barre, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,748 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilkes-Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,183 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,493) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Wilkes-Barre can expect a starting salary around $53,748 in 2026, which is significantly below the city’s median of $76,493. This initial pay level places entry-level workers at a considerable gap compared to median earners in the region, though growth opportunities exist. Early career professionals can realistically anticipate advancing to a salary of approximately $61,488 as they gain experience and build their skills in the first few years. Wilkes-Barre currently offers a promising market for new graduates, with a projected 5.29% annual growth rate leading to better job prospects and higher salaries as they progress in their careers. New entrants in the field are encouraged to focus on networking and gaining relevant experience as they begin their journey in a competitive job environment.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilkes-Barre
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 Wilkes-Barre
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Wilkes-Barre, PA typically start between $53,748 and $61,488 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,580 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,493 — 9.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Pennsylvania of $32,000 represents just 59.54% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,748/year) in Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre
- 1Research the Wilkes-Barre market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,748 to $61,488, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilkes-Barre'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 Wilkes-Barre is $55,580 ( 103.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,748, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,328.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,825
2025 BLS Actual
$51,048
2026 Current Est.
$53,748
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,825 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,464 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,722 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,552 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,613 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,048 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,592 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Wilkes-Barre, PA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,825 in 2019 to $51,048 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,592. New graduates entering the Wilkes-Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Employers in Wilkes-Barre typically seek out newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians from accredited programs, especially those with ARRT national registration in radiography. Major hospital systems within the region often hire new grads and include paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography in the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers are actively recruiting cross-trained technicians, although orthopedic practices usually prefer candidates with prior experience in extremity imaging. Advancing credentials through additional ARRT certifications can be a strategic move to boost entry-level pay in Pennsylvania, as higher qualifications can lead to enhanced job options and income potential. Typically, entry-level salaries experience a considerable increase within the first three years, particularly for those who take advantage of cross-training opportunities and pursue ongoing education through organizations like ASRT.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Wilkes-Barre?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Wilkes-Barre?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Wilkes-Barre?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Pennsylvania?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Wilkes-Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilkes-Barre 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