Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Wichita Falls, TX: $53,656 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Wichita Falls, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,656 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 89.5 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,942 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,490) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wichita Falls, entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians can expect a starting salary around $53,656. As new graduates embark on their careers, it's important to have realistic expectations since this figure falls significantly below the city's median annual wage of $64,490. However, there's room for growth; many early-career professionals can progress towards $59,036 within a few years, eventually approaching the median as they gain experience. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, the local job market seems favorable for aspiring radiologic professionals in 2026, suggesting that the demand for skilled technologists will provide solid opportunities for new entrants to the field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita Falls
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 Wichita Falls
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Wichita Falls, TX typically start between $53,656 and $59,036 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,091 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,490 — 23.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 41.00% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,656/year) in Wichita Falls. 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 Wichita Falls
- 1Research the Wichita Falls market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,656 to $59,036, 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 Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita Falls'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 Wichita Falls is $28,091 ( 52.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,656, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,747.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,080
2025 BLS Actual
$50,960
2026 Current Est.
$53,656
2019–2027 Growth
+56.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,656 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,494 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita Falls, TX grew 41.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,080 in 2019 to $50,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,494. New graduates entering the Wichita Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
Employers in Wichita Falls primarily hiring new graduates include hospital systems and outpatient imaging centers eager to onboard freshly certified technicians. Many of these facilities offer cross-training in advanced modalities like CT or MRI during the initial employment years, a strategic move that can lead to higher pay and increased job security. Credentials from an accredited JRCERT program, ARRT registration, and appropriate state licensure can significantly enhance starting pay and employability in Texas. New grads should focus on obtaining relevant certifications and consider cross-training into additional modalities, as rigid pure radiography roles may limit salary potential. Realistically, professionals may see meaningful salary advancements as they transition from entry-level positions, especially within their first few years, on a path that aligns with the evolving demands of the health care landscape in Wichita Falls.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wichita Falls in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Wichita Falls?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Wichita Falls?
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How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Texas?
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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 Wichita Falls. 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