Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Fort Worth, TX: $60,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Fort Worth, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,629 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fort Worth's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,155 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,967) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Fort Worth, TX, is projected at $60,629 for entry-level positions in 2026. This figure provides a realistic expectation for new graduates entering the field, reflecting a significant gap compared to the city's median salary of $86,967. Over the first few years, you can expect a clear growth trajectory, with incomes increasing from the entry-level threshold to $70,141 by the 25th percentile, and potentially reaching the median as experience accumulates. Given Fort Worth's favorable job market and a projected growth rate of 5.29% annually for this profession, it appears to be a promising location for new radiologic technologists and technicians in 2026.
About the Fort Worth Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fort Worth
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 Fort Worth
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Fort Worth, TX typically start between $60,629 and $70,141 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,171 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,967 — 3.1% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 36.29% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($60,629/year) in Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth
- 1Research the Fort Worth market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $60,629 to $70,141, 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 Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fort Worth'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 Fort Worth is $74,171 ( 122.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,629, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,800.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,668
2025 BLS Actual
$57,583
2026 Current Est.
$60,629
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Fort Worth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,668 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,128 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,579 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,836 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Fort Worth, TX grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,668 in 2019 to $57,583 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,836. New graduates entering the Fort Worth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth
In Fort Worth, major employers in the healthcare sector actively recruit new graduates in radiologic technology. Hospital systems typically hire first-year techs, offering paid cross-training opportunities in advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MR. Outpatient imaging chains also seek entry-level applicants but prefer candidates with some level of cross-training. To enhance starting pay in Texas, new grads should consider obtaining an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from JRCERT-accredited programs and seek ARRT national registration in radiography (R). Pursuing additional certifications in modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography can lead to better salary prospects as pure radiography roles become increasingly compressed. Given the industry context, it's strategic for early-career professionals to focus on cross-training into higher-paying specialties, which can yield a realistic salary growth trajectory within three years on the job.
More salary data for Fort Worth, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fort Worth in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Fort Worth?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Fort Worth?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Fort Worth?
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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 Fort Worth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Worth 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