Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Kirkland, WA: $67,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Kirkland, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,203 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kirkland's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,573 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,991) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the radiologic technologist and technician field in Kirkland, WA, can anticipate a starting salary of around $67,203 in 2026. While this figure is lower than the city’s median annual salary of $99,991, it reflects a reasonable entry point for recent graduates. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can expect to see salary growth that might lead them to the 25th percentile salary of $78,220 or even the median, depending on their skill development and career trajectory. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, the Kirkland market is currently favorable for new grads, presenting solid opportunities in the radiologic field.
About the Kirkland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kirkland
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 Kirkland
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Kirkland, WA typically start between $67,203 and $78,220 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,240 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,991 — 18.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 44.64% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($67,203/year) in Kirkland. 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 Kirkland
- 1Research the Kirkland market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $67,203 to $78,220, 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 Kirkland, 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 Kirkland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kirkland'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 Kirkland is $78,240 ( 116.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,203, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,443.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,294
2025 BLS Actual
$63,827
2026 Current Est.
$67,203
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,294 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,093 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,417 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,032 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,765 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,759 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Kirkland, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,294 in 2019 to $63,827 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,759. New graduates entering the Kirkland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkland 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 Kirkland
For those just beginning their careers, the Kirkland area offers various employers eager to hire newly certified radiologic technologists and technicians. Most fresh graduates typically find their first jobs within major hospital systems, many of which provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT or MRI during the initial years. Outpatient imaging centers also actively seek entry-level talent, but they often prefer cross-trained candidates to meet diverse patient needs. To enhance starting pay in WA, new professionals should hold credentials such as an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and possess ARRT national registration in radiography. Additionally, pursuing further certifications can accelerate salary growth. In the first three years, new graduates can realistically expect their salaries to increase through cross-training and gaining experience, as the demand for versatile technologists continues to shape the field.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kirkland in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kirkland?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kirkland?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kirkland?
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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 Kirkland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kirkland 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