Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $57,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pawtucket, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,313 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pawtucket's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,028 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,677) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate entering the radiologic technologist and technician field in Pawtucket can expect a starting salary around $57,313 in 2026. This figure positions entry-level professionals significantly below the median annual salary of $84,677 for the city, highlighting an approximate $27,000 gap. Entry-level pay can increase steadily during the first few years, as individuals can realistically aim to reach the $66,477 mark at the 25th percentile, reflecting growth potential in the market. With steady demand and a projected job growth rate of 5.29% annually, Pawtucket remains a viable location for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in radiologic technology, especially as healthcare establishments continue to hire.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pawtucket
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 Pawtucket
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pawtucket, RI typically start between $57,313 and $66,477 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,899 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,677 — 0.39% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Rhode Island of $32,000 represents just 55.83% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,313/year) in Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket
- 1Research the Pawtucket market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,313 to $66,477, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pawtucket, 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 Pawtucket for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pawtucket'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 Pawtucket is $71,899 ( 125.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,313, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,212.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,334
2025 BLS Actual
$54,433
2026 Current Est.
$57,313
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,334 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,014 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,766 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,433 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,344 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pawtucket, RI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,334 in 2019 to $54,433 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,344. New graduates entering the Pawtucket job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, new rad techs will often find employment opportunities at local hospital systems, which are known to support early-career professionals with paid training for advanced imaging modalities like CT. Outpatient imaging chains are also significant employers, though they generally seek candidates who are cross-trained. To maximize starting pay in Rhode Island, new graduates should pursue credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, earn ARRT national registration, and obtain state licensure where needed. Cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography is essential to boost salary potential; positions focusing solely on radiography tend to stagnate in earnings. As the industry consolidates, new grad strategies should focus on gaining diverse imaging experience early in their careers to enhance their appeal to employers and facilitate realistic salary growth in the first three years.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pawtucket in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Pawtucket?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pawtucket?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Pawtucket?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Rhode Island?
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 Pawtucket. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pawtucket 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