Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Collierville, TN: $46,849 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Collierville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,849 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collierville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,034 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,087) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Collierville, TN, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected at around $46,849 in 2026. While this figure may initially seem modest compared to the city median salary of $69,087, it offers a clear pathway for growth within the profession. Early-career professionals can expect to progress in their earning potential, moving towards salaries like $54,516 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, Collierville appears to be a favorable job market for new radiologic technologists and technicians who are willing to develop their skills and advance through consistent performance and additional certifications over the first few years.
About the Collierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collierville
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 Collierville
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Collierville, TN typically start between $46,849 and $54,516 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,129 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,087 — 18.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Tennessee of $20,000 represents just 42.69% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($46,849/year) in Collierville. 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 Collierville
- 1Research the Collierville market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $46,849 to $54,516, 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 Collierville, 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 Collierville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collierville'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 Collierville is $52,129 ( 111.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,849, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,978.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,970
2025 BLS Actual
$44,495
2026 Current Est.
$46,849
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Collierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,526 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,961 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,849 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,327 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Collierville, TN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,970 in 2019 to $44,495 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,327. New graduates entering the Collierville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collierville 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 Collierville
Employers throughout Collierville such as local hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and orthopedic practices often seek fresh talent to fulfill their staffing needs. New graduates should focus their job search primarily on hospital systems that typically offer paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography during the first one to two years. This cross-training is vital as it not only enhances a technician's skill set but also significantly boosts earning potential. Credentials such as an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT registration, can help elevate new grad radiologic technologist and technician pay TN. In the first three years, those who actively pursue additional certifications will likely see a more favorable salary trajectory, differentiating themselves in a market that has been reshaped by outpatient imaging chain consolidation and evolving educational standards.
More salary data for Collierville, 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 Collierville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collierville 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