Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Richardson, TX: $50,692 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Richardson, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,692 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richardson's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,804 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,611) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

While new graduates may find themselves beginning their careers in a competitive environment, starting salaries for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Richardson, TX, project to be around $50,692 in 2026. This figure sits notably below the median annual salary of $77,611 for the region, indicating the potential income gap new professionals face early on. However, there is a clear growth trajectory in this field, with the potential for salaries to gradually increase from early roles at $50,692 up to $64,328 within a few years. For recent JRCERT-accredited program graduates, this market represents a favorable opportunity, especially given the positive growth rate of 5.29% projected annually, as the local demand for healthcare services continues to rise and expand.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richardson
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 Richardson
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Richardson, TX typically start between $50,692 and $64,328 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,824 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,611 — 7.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 43.40% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,692/year) in Richardson. 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 Richardson
- 1Research the Richardson market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,692 to $64,328, 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 Richardson, 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 Richardson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richardson'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 Richardson is $63,824 ( 125.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,692, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,516.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,674
2025 BLS Actual
$48,145
2026 Current Est.
$50,692
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,276 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,075 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,796 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,692 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,373 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Richardson, TX grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,674 in 2019 to $48,145 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,373. New graduates entering the Richardson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson 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 Richardson
Employers in Richardson who frequently hire new graduates include large hospital systems that often provide entry-level positions along with paid CT cross-training during the first one to two years. Additionally, outpatient imaging chains actively seek cross-trained technicians, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer more experienced candidates comfortable with extremity imaging. Expanding your credentials beyond a basic associate's or bachelor's degree can significantly enhance entry level radiologic technologist and technician salary Richardson prospects; pursuing the ARRT national registration and considering further ARRT modality certifications can be beneficial. The market condition suggests that new grads might need to embark on a career strategy of cross-training into advanced modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography, as these paths typically lead to higher pay. Modeled expectations for salary growth in one to three years indicate promising opportunities as you gain experience and credentials in the dynamic healthcare landscape of Richardson.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Richardson?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Richardson?
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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 Richardson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richardson 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