Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $63,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Virginia Beach, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,100 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Virginia Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 97.9 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,427 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,379) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Virginia Beach, the starting pay reflects a competitive but cautious landscape. The 2026 estimates project an entry-level salary around $63,100, which is notably lower than the median annual wage of $81,379 for the region. This substantial gap indicates that early-career professionals may have room for growth as they gain experience. Over the first few years, starting salaries can realistically increase to approximately $66,238, allowing new graduates to chart a promising career path in a growing job market. Given the current economic trends and a projected 5.29% annual growth rate, Virginia Beach presents itself as an encouraging environment for newcomers seeking to establish their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Virginia Beach
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 Virginia Beach
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Virginia Beach, VA typically start between $63,100 and $66,238 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,505 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,379 — 3.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Virginia of $26,000 represents just 41.20% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($63,100/year) in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach
- 1Research the Virginia Beach market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $63,100 to $66,238, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach is $39,505 ( 62.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,100, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,605.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,230
2025 BLS Actual
$59,930
2026 Current Est.
$63,100
2019–2027 Growth
+46.9%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,438 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Virginia Beach, VA grew 32.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,230 in 2019 to $59,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,438. New graduates entering the Virginia Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Employers in the area most likely hiring fresh graduates include major hospital systems that offer structured paid training rotations, especially in advanced modalities like CT and MRI within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers also prefer cross-trained technicians, broadening job prospects for new grads. Entry-level candidates should focus on obtaining their ARRT national registration in radiography along with any state licensing required. Building a competitive edge often comes from continuing education and obtaining additional ARRT modality certifications in areas such as mammography. As the field has seen a shift due to outpatient imaging chains consolidating, it is crucial for early-career professionals to be adaptable. Salary growth in Virginia Beach typically sees entry-level techs moving up the scale steadily—particularly if they pursue cross-training opportunities, as pure radiography positions may offer limited upward mobility within the initial years.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Virginia Beach in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Virginia Beach?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Virginia Beach?
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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 Virginia Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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