Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in West Valley City, UT: $55,087 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the West Valley City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,087 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out West Valley City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,154 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,937) within a few years of clinical practice.

$55,087
Starting Salary
$26.48/hr
Starting Hourly
$55,087
Entry Level
$83,937
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in West Valley City, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
West Valley City, UT radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For graduates embarking on their journey in the field of radiology, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in West Valley City, UT, offers promising prospects in 2026. Newly licensed professionals can expect starting pay around $55,087, a figure that reflects their initial step into the workforce. While this figure might be a considerable gap from the city's overall median salary of $83,937, it sets a foundation for future growth. Over the first few years, new graduates can anticipate salary increases as they gain experience and potentially move towards the $64,784 benchmark. With a competitive annual growth rate of 5.29%, West Valley City offers a vibrant market for new grads entering this profession, making it an appealing choice for those beginning their careers in healthcare.

About the West Valley City Market

Salary estimated from Utah average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in West Valley City

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$55,087/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$64,784/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$83,937/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$103,443/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Valley City

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in West Valley City. The median salary is $83,937, compared to the national median of $84,348.$49.6K$69.8K$90.1K$110.4K$130.6K$55.1K10th Pctl$64.8K25th Pctl$83.9KMedian$103.4K75th Pctl$124.4K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in West Valley City, UT typically start between $55,087 and $64,784 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,325 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,9370.49% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the West Valley City metro area.

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg UT Program Cost
$55,087
Starting Salary
39.94%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Utah of $22,000 represents just 39.94% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,087/year) in West Valley City. 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 West Valley City

  • 1Research the West Valley City market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,087 to $64,784, 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 West Valley City, 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 West Valley City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5West Valley City'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 West Valley City is $69,325 ( 125.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,087, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,412.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$38,767

2025 BLS Actual

$52,319

2026 Current Est.

$55,087

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in West Valley City (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in West Valley City. Baseline $38,767 in 2025, projected to $58,001 by 2027.$34.9K$41.7K$48.4K$55.1K$61.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$38.8K$39.4K$43.8K$44.6K$46.7K$42.8K$52.3K$55.1K$58.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$38,767Actual
2020$39,421Actual
2021$43,786Actual
2022$44,637Actual
2023$46,749Actual
2024$42,780Actual
2025$52,319Actual
2026(current)$55,087Estimated
2027$58,001Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in West Valley City, UT grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,767 in 2019 to $52,319 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,001. New graduates entering the West Valley City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Valley City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 West Valley City

In West Valley City, various employers actively recruit new graduates for radiologic technologist and technician roles. Hospitals often top the list, providing entry-level positions that may include paid cross-training opportunities in advanced modalities such as CT and MRI. Outpatient imaging centers also seek cross-trained technicians, while orthopedic practices typically prefer candidates with established experience in extremity imaging. Aspiring technologists can boost their entry-level pay in Utah by acquiring credentials from accredited programs and obtaining ARRT registration in radiography. Additionally, those who pursue further ARRT certifications can enhance their qualifications. In the key first three years, newly minted professionals who strategically embrace cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography will likely see their earnings rise significantly, as core roles in pure radiography tend to stabilize at the lower end of the pay scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in West Valley City in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in West Valley City start at approximately $55,087/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $26.48/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in West Valley City?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in West Valley City progress from the entry-level salary of $55,087 to the area median of $83,937 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $124,412 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in West Valley City?

With a starting salary of $55,087/year in West Valley City and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in West Valley City?

New radiologic technology graduates in West Valley City typically start near the 10th percentile at $55,087/year, or approximately $26.48/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Utah?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Utah, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Utah, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Utah

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 West Valley City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for West Valley City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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