Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Fairfax, VA: $56,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Fairfax, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,415 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fairfax's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,666 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,602) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While starting salaries for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairfax, VA, can initially seem modest, they reflect important growth potential. In 2026, new graduates will likely earn around $56,415, which is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $77,602. However, these early figures should be seen as a stepping stone, as initial earnings can increase significantly with experience and further education. Over the first few years, a transition from the P10 salary to the P25 figure of $63,474 is realistic, especially as many employers in the area recognize the value of dedicated professionals entering the field. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.29% in this sector, Fairfax presents an encouraging employment market for new radiologic technologist and technician graduates.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fairfax
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 Fairfax
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Fairfax, VA typically start between $56,415 and $63,474 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,230 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,602 — 8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Virginia of $26,000 represents just 46.09% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($56,415/year) in Fairfax. 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 Fairfax
- 1Research the Fairfax market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $56,415 to $63,474, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fairfax, 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 Fairfax for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fairfax'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 Fairfax is $51,230 ( 90.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,415, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,645.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,702
2025 BLS Actual
$53,581
2026 Current Est.
$56,415
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,702 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,581 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,400 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Fairfax, VA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,702 in 2019 to $53,581 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,400. New graduates entering the Fairfax job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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 Fairfax
New graduates aiming to elevate their pay quickly in Fairfax should focus on employers known for hiring entry-level technologists, with local hospital systems often leading the charge. Many of these organizations offer paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT and MRI within the first one to two years. For those eyeing outpatient imaging centers or orthopedic practices, having experience or comfort with specific procedures can be advantageous, but initial opportunities may favor those willing to diversify their skill sets. Obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and securing ARRT national registration significantly bolster marketability and entry-level salary in this competitive environment. As professionals grow their careers in the first three years, pursuing additional ARRT certifications can also unlock higher earning potential, reflecting the ongoing consolidation in the outpatient setting that incentivizes cross-trained candidates.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairfax in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Fairfax?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Fairfax?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Fairfax?
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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 Fairfax. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfax 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