Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in College Station, TX: $50,434 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the College Station, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,434 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out College Station's local price level (BEA RPP 91.0 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,452 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,419) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in College Station, TX, represent a realistic expectation with figures beginning around $50,434 in 2026. Compared to the city's median annual salary of $74,419, new graduates will find themselves in a position where there is a notable gap, but opportunities for growth exist as they gain experience. Within the first three to five years, it's common for professionals in this field to progress through different pay scales, moving upwards to the 25th percentile bracket of $60,784 and eventually approaching the median. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, College Station remains a suitable market for new grads seeking employment, particularly as local healthcare facilities expand and require fresh talent to meet increasing demands.
Career Earnings Timeline in College Station
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 College Station
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in College Station, TX typically start between $50,434 and $60,784 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,560 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,419 — 11.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 43.62% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,434/year) in College Station. 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 College Station
- 1Research the College Station market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,434 to $60,784, 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 College Station, 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 College Station for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5College Station'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 College Station is $50,560 ( 100.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,434, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,994.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,610
2025 BLS Actual
$47,900
2026 Current Est.
$50,434
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in College Station (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,434 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,102 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in College Station, TX grew 20.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,610 in 2019 to $47,900 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,102. New graduates entering the College Station job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the College Station 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 College Station
In College Station, hospitals are the primary employers of new radiologic technologist and technician graduates, often providing paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers are also actively recruiting entry-level techs, while orthopedic practices typically prefer experienced individuals skilled in extremity work. Those who hold an associate's or bachelor's degree from JRCERT-accredited programs and acquire ARRT national registration in radiography can enhance their earning potential significantly. To secure competitive starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in TX, focus on gaining additional certifications for specialized areas such as CT, MRI, or mammography. With this strategy, new graduates can expect gradual salary increases over their initial years, as roles that require cross-training in higher-paying specialties tend to dominate the landscape, allowing dedicated technologists to rise above those sticking strictly to basic radiography.
More salary data for College Station, TX:
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 College Station. 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