Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Bastrop, TX: $53,597 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Bastrop, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,597 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bastrop's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,830 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,218) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates in Bastrop, Texas entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians can expect starting salaries around $53,597 in 2026. This figure positions entry-level pay considerably below the city's median annual salary of $73,218, revealing a notable gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. However, there is potential for growth as new graduates typically see their salaries gradually rise to approximately $59,925 within their first few years. With Bastrop's projected annual growth rate for this profession at 5.29%, now may be an advantageous time for aspiring technologists to enter the workforce, especially as the region sees a steady demand for medical imaging professionals.
About the Bastrop Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bastrop
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 Bastrop
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Bastrop, TX typically start between $53,597 and $59,925 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,022 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,218 — 13.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 41.05% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,597/year) in Bastrop. 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 Bastrop
- 1Research the Bastrop market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,597 to $59,925, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bastrop, 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 Bastrop for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bastrop'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 Bastrop is $48,022 ( 89.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,597, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,619.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,719
2025 BLS Actual
$50,904
2026 Current Est.
$53,597
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Bastrop (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,719 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,602 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,429 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,484 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,304 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,597 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,432 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Bastrop, TX grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,719 in 2019 to $50,904 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,432. New graduates entering the Bastrop job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bastrop 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 Bastrop
Several employers in Bastrop are keen to hire new graduates for radiologic technologist and technician positions, particularly within hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT and MRI during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains also recruit freshly minted graduates, while orthopedic practices may prefer candidates with experience in extremity imaging. For those targeting a competitive edge in Texas, obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and relevant state licensure, can enhance starting pay and job prospects. To maximize earning potential, cross-training into specialties such as CT, mammography, or MRI is essential within the first three years, as traditional radiography roles tend to stabilize at the lower end of the pay scale. Realistically, entry-level professionals can expect gradual salary increases as they accumulate experience and credentials in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Bastrop, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bastrop in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Bastrop?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Bastrop?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Bastrop?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Texas?
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 Bastrop. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bastrop 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