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 86.4 — 14% 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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
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 Kingsport
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 $64,701 — 23.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,346 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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 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.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kingsport in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kingsport?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kingsport?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kingsport?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Tennessee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 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