Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Brentwood, TN: $50,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Brentwood, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,284 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,776 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,494) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brentwood, TN, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in 2026 is projected to begin at around $50,284, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $66,494. New graduates should be aware that there is a substantial gap as they start their careers, but there is room for growth with expected increases within the first few years. As early-career professionals gain experience and potentially cross-train into advanced imaging modalities, they could see their salaries rise to $54,396 at the 25th percentile and even approach the median over the next 3 to 5 years. This upward trajectory makes Brentwood a promising market for recent graduates embarking on their journey in radiologic technology.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brentwood
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 Brentwood
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Brentwood, TN typically start between $50,284 and $54,396 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,494 — 21.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Tennessee of $20,000 represents just 39.77% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,284/year) in Brentwood. 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 Brentwood
- 1Research the Brentwood market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,284 to $54,396, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brentwood's below-average 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 Brentwood is $46,259 ( 92.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,284, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,543.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,388
2025 BLS Actual
$47,758
2026 Current Est.
$50,284
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,388 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,985 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,969 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,758 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,944 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Brentwood, TN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,388 in 2019 to $47,758 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,944. New graduates entering the Brentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood
Employers in Brentwood that typically hire new graduates include local hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training programs in CT, making the transition smoother and more skill-diverse within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains frequently seek candidates who are cross-trained, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer those with experience in extremity procedures. To maximize starting pay in Tennessee, it is beneficial for new technologists to possess an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieve ARRT national registration in radiography, and obtain any necessary state licenses. During the first few years, focusing on cross-training into modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography is advisable for higher earning potential. Given the ongoing consolidation in the outpatient imaging sector, intelligent career strategies during these initial years can cultivate significant salary growth as an entry-level radiologic technologist and technician in Brentwood.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Brentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood 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