Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Waco, TX: $49,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Waco, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waco's local price level (BEA RPP 92.5 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,607 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,347) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Waco, TX, can typically expect a starting salary around $49,613 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city median salary of $81,347, illustrating a notable gap as early-career professionals navigate the initial phase of their careers. Over the first three to five years, entry-level employees can anticipate an upward trajectory; as they gain experience, salaries may rise, reaching approximately $66,248 at the 25th percentile and potentially moving towards the median as they hone their skills and expand their qualifications. Overall, Waco presents a promising job market for new grads, thanks in part to a projected employment growth rate of 5.29% annually, which may help bridge the gap between entry-level pay and median earnings over time.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waco
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 Waco
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Waco, TX typically start between $49,613 and $66,248 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,488 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,347 — 3.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 44.34% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($49,613/year) in Waco. 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 Waco
- 1Research the Waco market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $49,613 to $66,248, 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 Waco, 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 Waco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waco'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 Waco is $57,488 ( 115.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,101.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,070
2025 BLS Actual
$47,120
2026 Current Est.
$49,613
2019–2027 Growth
+21.3%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,237 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Waco, TX grew 9.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,070 in 2019 to $47,120 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,237. New graduates entering the Waco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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 Waco
In Waco, major healthcare employers actively recruit newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians. Most opportunities arise within hospital systems that often provide structured programs, which may include paid cross-training in advanced imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging facilities may focus on hiring cross-trained staff, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer experienced techs familiar with extremity examinations. To enhance earning potential, newly licensed technologists should consider earning credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and pursuing state licenses where required. In addition, gaining ARRT certifications in specialized modalities can significantly bolster starting pay. Realistically, entry-level wages may modestly increase within the first few years, largely influenced by training opportunities and industry dynamics, particularly as consolidation within outpatient imaging chains reshapes job prospects for new entrants into the market.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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