Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Suffolk, VA: $58,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Suffolk, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,461 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Suffolk's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,648 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,920) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology and seeking positions in Suffolk, Virginia can expect a starting salary around $58,461 in 2026, which reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum for new professionals in this area. This amount is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians, which stands at $79,920, illustrating a considerable income gap that early career professionals may need to navigate. However, the salary prospects are relatively promising, as entry-level positions pave the way for growth opportunities; over the first three to five years, employees can anticipate increases through progression to $66,019 at the 25th percentile, eventually aiming for the median. Given Suffolk’s growth trajectory—projected to rise by 5.29% annually—this region is currently a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers in radiology.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Suffolk
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 Suffolk
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Suffolk, VA typically start between $58,461 and $66,019 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,671 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,920 — 5.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Virginia of $26,000 represents just 44.47% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,461/year) in Suffolk. 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 Suffolk
- 1Research the Suffolk market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,461 to $66,019, 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 Suffolk, 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 Suffolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Suffolk'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 Suffolk is $63,671 ( 108.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,461, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,132.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,142
2025 BLS Actual
$55,524
2026 Current Est.
$58,461
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,142 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,836 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,468 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,613 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,524 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,554 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Suffolk, VA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,142 in 2019 to $55,524 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,554. New graduates entering the Suffolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Job opportunities for new graduates in Suffolk primarily come from local hospital systems, which tend to hire recent graduates as radiologic technicians equipped with opportunities for paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT or MRI within the first few years. Outpatient imaging centers also actively recruit entry-level technologists, although these establishments may prefer candidates with some cross-training credentials. To enhance earning potential in Virginia, securing an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program is critical, alongside gaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and any necessary state licenses. Pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications can provide a competitive edge. Focusing on cross-training opportunities is advised for new radiologic professionals; as purely radiographic roles may lead to compressed salaries at the entry level, diversifying skill sets in CT, MRI, or mammography can significantly elevate future earning potential. Overall, expectations for salary growth in the first few years are optimistic if new techs adapt strategically to the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Suffolk in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Suffolk?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Suffolk?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Suffolk?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Virginia?
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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 Suffolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Suffolk 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