Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Norfolk, VA: $53,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Norfolk, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,663 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Norfolk's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,999 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,593) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the workforce in Norfolk, Virginia, can expect starting salaries to be around $53,663 in 2026. This figure represents the tenth percentile of earnings in the sector, illuminating that entry-level positions typically fall short of the city median annual income of $82,593. Over the first three to five years, new graduates can anticipate a gradual pay increase, potentially reaching $63,850 at the twenty-fifth percentile. The promising growth rate of 5.29% annually indicates that Norfolk presents a favorable market for graduates embarking on their careers in radiologic technology, offering pathways to improve their earning potential through experience and additional qualifications.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Norfolk
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 Norfolk
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Norfolk, VA typically start between $53,663 and $63,850 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,187 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,593 — 2.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Virginia of $26,000 represents just 48.45% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,663/year) in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk
- 1Research the Norfolk market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,663 to $63,850, 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Norfolk'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 Norfolk is $74,187 ( 138.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,663, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,850.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,765
2025 BLS Actual
$50,967
2026 Current Est.
$53,663
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,403 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,541 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,298 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,502 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Norfolk, VA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,765 in 2019 to $50,967 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,502. New graduates entering the Norfolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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 Norfolk
In Norfolk, various healthcare providers actively recruit new graduates in radiologic technology, notably large hospital systems that often provide cross-training opportunities in modalities like CT or MRI during the first two years of employment. Outpatient imaging centers are also on the lookout for newly credentialed technologists, especially those who have obtained the ARRT national registration in radiography (R). Educational attainment from a JRCERT-accredited program significantly enhances starting pay, with additional ARRT certifications allowing for upward mobility within this field. New technologists should focus on cross-training into specialized areas such as mammography, as the demand for pure radiography roles declines. Realistically, new grads can expect salary growth to align with market trends, leading to increased compensation as they build expertise and expand their skill set in their first few years of employment.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Norfolk in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Norfolk?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Norfolk?
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How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Virginia?
Related Pages
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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 Norfolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk 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