Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in McKinney, TX: $53,107 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the McKinney, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,107 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out McKinney's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,320 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,131) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in McKinney, TX can expect an entry-level salary that starts at around $53,107 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the city’s overall median salary of $76,131, providing new technologists a clear sense of the financial trajectory ahead. With a growth path from the entry-level range of $53,107 to around $59,722 within the first few years, and potentially reaching the median salary, McKinney offers a relatively stable environment for recent graduates. As the annual growth rate for these positions is projected at 5.29%, there appears to be promising potential for salary increases, making the McKinney job market a reasonable choice for newcomers eager to establish their careers.
About the McKinney Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in McKinney
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 McKinney
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in McKinney, TX typically start between $53,107 and $59,722 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,386 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,131 — 9.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 41.43% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,107/year) in McKinney. 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 McKinney
- 1Research the McKinney market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,107 to $59,722, 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 McKinney, 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 McKinney for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5McKinney'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 McKinney is $61,386 ( 115.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,107, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,493.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,374
2025 BLS Actual
$50,439
2026 Current Est.
$53,107
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in McKinney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,069 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,107 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,917 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in McKinney, TX grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,374 in 2019 to $50,439 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,917. New graduates entering the McKinney job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McKinney 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 McKinney
Employers in McKinney actively recruit entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians, particularly through local hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in CT or MRI during the first year or two of employment. Outpatient imaging chains in the area are also known to offer roles for newly licensed radiologic technologists, although orthopedic practices may prefer candidates with experience, especially those adept in extremity work. To enhance starting pay in Texas, obtaining credentials through JRCERT-accredited programs and achieving ARRT registration in radiography (R) is crucial. New grads should also consider pursuing additional ARRT certifications in specialized modalities such as CT or mammography, as cross-training opportunities immediately open doors to higher compensation. Realistic salary growth for professionals in the first three years could see an ascension into more lucrative roles, particularly as outpatient imaging becomes increasingly consolidated, reshaping the market and potentially compressing entry-level roles accordingly.
More salary data for McKinney, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in McKinney?
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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 McKinney. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McKinney 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