Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Kent, WA: $71,072 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Kent, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,072 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kent's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,175 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,155) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the radiologic technologist and technician field in Kent, Washington, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary Kent offers in 2026 is roughly $71,072. While this initial figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $100,155, it reflects a realistic entry point for new graduates. Over their first few years, early-career professionals can anticipate progression in earnings, moving from the entry-level pay toward approximately $81,347 within the first few years of employment. Given the 5.29% annual growth rate projected for the field, Kent currently presents a promising job market for recent graduates who aim to establish a foothold in radiologic technology.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kent
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 Kent
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Kent, WA typically start between $71,072 and $81,347 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $84,169 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,155 — 18.74% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 42.21% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($71,072/year) in Kent. 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 Kent
- 1Research the Kent market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $71,072 to $81,347, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kent, 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 Kent for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kent'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 Kent is $84,169 ( 118.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,072, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,241.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,017
2025 BLS Actual
$67,501
2026 Current Est.
$71,072
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,017 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,861 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,314 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,072 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,832 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Kent, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,017 in 2019 to $67,501 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,832. New graduates entering the Kent job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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 Kent
In Kent, hospitals often serve as primary employers for recent graduates, offering opportunities that include paid CT cross-training during the first one to two years on the job. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices also play significant roles in hiring, particularly for those who possess additional certifications. New grads can enhance their marketability and starting pay in Washington by graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R). As the industry evolves, cross-training into modalities such as CT or MRI becomes increasingly standard for securing higher compensation; pure radiography roles tend to have low initial salaries and limited advancement. Given the current market dynamics, new technologists can expect their salaries to rise steadily as they gain certifications and professional experience in their first three years within the workforce.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kent in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kent?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kent?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kent?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Washington?
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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 Kent. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kent 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