Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Payson, UT: $54,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Payson, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Payson's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,699 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,709) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates seeking to enter the radiologic technologist and technician field in Payson, Utah, can anticipate a starting salary around $54,641 according to 2026 projections. This initial pay can seem significantly lower compared to the city's median annual salary of $77,709, presenting a gap that newcomers will need to navigate in their career journey. However, there is a promising growth trajectory: early-career professionals can expect salaries to rise from the 10th percentile to around $66,778 at the 25th percentile within their first few years. Given this growth potential and the projected 5.29% annual growth rate in employment opportunities, Payson remains an encouraging market for new graduates looking to establish their careers in the healthcare field.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Payson
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 Payson
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Payson, UT typically start between $54,641 and $66,778 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,734 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,709 — 7.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Utah of $22,000 represents just 40.26% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,641/year) in Payson. 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 Payson
- 1Research the Payson market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,641 to $66,778, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Payson, 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 Payson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Payson'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 Payson is $50,734 ( 92.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,375.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,454
2025 BLS Actual
$51,896
2026 Current Est.
$54,641
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,454 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,103 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,276 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,532 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Payson, UT grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,454 in 2019 to $51,896 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,532. New graduates entering the Payson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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 Payson
In terms of employment prospects, various healthcare facilities in Payson actively recruit new graduates. Local hospital systems are the primary employers and often offer opportunities for paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT or MRI shortly after hiring. Outpatient imaging chains are also viable options, though they typically seek candidates with additional training. Earning credentials from an accredited JRCERT program and obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R) significantly enhance a new technologist's earning potential. Early career strategies should focus on cross-training into specialized areas like mammography or CT, where salaries increase considerably. While entry-level positions may compress at the lower end of the scale, pursuing further education and certifications leads to better pay prospects as professionals gain experience in this evolving field.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
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 Payson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Payson 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