Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Kingsport, TN: $50,666 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Kingsport, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,666 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsport's local price level (BEA RPP 86.414% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,609 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,701) within a few years of clinical practice.

$50,666
Starting Salary
$24.36/hr
Starting Hourly
$50,666
Entry Level
$64,701
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Kingsport, TN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Kingsport, TN radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates embarking on their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Kingsport, TN, the starting pay presents a realistic entry point. In 2026, entry-level salaries are projected to begin at around $50,666, which falls on the lower end of the salary spectrum for the region. This initial figure highlights a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $64,701 for the area, indicating that entry-level positions may offer limited earning potential at the outset. However, over the first three to five years, it is possible for new grads to see their earnings increase substantially as they gain experience, with realistic trajectories moving from $50,666 to $56,330 and potentially up toward the median salary as their careers progress. Given the city's growth rate of 5.29% in this field, Kingsport currently represents a promising market for entry-level radiologic professionals seeking to establish themselves.

Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsport

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$50,666/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$56,330/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$64,701/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$79,504/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingsport

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Kingsport. The median salary is $64,701, compared to the national median of $84,348.$45.6K$56.3K$67.1K$77.8K$88.6K$50.7K10th Pctl$56.3K25th Pctl$64.7KMedian$79.5K75th Pctl$83.3K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Kingsport, TN typically start between $50,666 and $56,330 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,682 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,70123.29% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Kingsport metro area.

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg TN Program Cost
$50,666
Starting Salary
39.47%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Tennessee of $20,000 represents just 39.47% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,666/year) in Kingsport. 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 Kingsport

  • 1Research the Kingsport market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,666 to $56,330, 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 Kingsport, 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 Kingsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Kingsport'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 Kingsport is $32,682 ( 64.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,666, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,348.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$32,660

2025 BLS Actual

$48,120

2026 Current Est.

$50,666

2019–2027 Growth

+63.3%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Kingsport (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kingsport. Baseline $32,660 in 2025, projected to $53,346 by 2027.$24.9K$33.2K$41.5K$49.8K$58.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$32.7K$32.8K$36.9K$29.6K$31.5K$30.6K$48.1K$50.7K$53.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$32,660Actual
2020$32,810Actual
2021$36,900Actual
2022$29,630Actual
2023$31,540Actual
2024$30,550Actual
2025$48,120Actual
2026(current)$50,666Estimated
2027$53,346Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsport, TN grew 47.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,660 in 2019 to $48,120 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,346. New graduates entering the Kingsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Kingsport

In Kingsport, employers looking to fill radiologic technologist and technician roles actively seek new graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs. Hospital systems typically provide the most opportunities for these entry-level professionals, often offering paid cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography within the first two years, which can significantly enhance earning potential. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices also contribute to hiring, though they may prefer candidates with some experience, particularly in extremity work. New grads can boost their starting salaries by obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R), which is essential, alongside a state license when necessary. As the industry evolves, focusing on cross-training into specialized modalities not only helps in achieving higher pay but also aligns with the current trends in the outpatient imaging field, where pure radiography positions tend to stagnate at lower salary levels. With a concerted effort to gain additional credentials and explore the diverse opportunities within the profession, recent graduates can expect salary growth that aligns with ongoing market demands in Kingsport, TN.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kingsport in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Kingsport start at approximately $50,666/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $24.36/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kingsport?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Kingsport progress from the entry-level salary of $50,666 to the area median of $64,701 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $83,348 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kingsport?

With a starting salary of $50,666/year in Kingsport and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kingsport?

New radiologic technology graduates in Kingsport typically start near the 10th percentile at $50,666/year, or approximately $24.36/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Tennessee?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Tennessee, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Tennessee, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Tennessee

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 Kingsport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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

Last verified: