Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $73,395 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Lake Stevens, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,395 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lake Stevens's local price level (BEA RPP 107.47% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,338 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,036) within a few years of clinical practice.

$73,395
Starting Salary
$35.28/hr
Starting Hourly
$73,395
Entry Level
$97,036
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Lake Stevens, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lake Stevens, WA radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Lake Stevens, WA, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected at $73,395 in 2026. This initial figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $97,036, indicating a potential gap for early-career professionals. However, there is a clear growth trajectory; as entry-level workers gain experience over the first few years, their salaries are expected to rise from the entry-level bracket towards the 25th percentile at $81,850. With a 5.29% annual growth rate projected over the next five years, Lake Stevens presents a promising market for new graduates, allowing them to advance towards more favorable pay as they build their skills and expertise.

About the Lake Stevens Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Lake Stevens

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$73,395/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$81,850/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$97,036/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$115,784/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Lake Stevens. The median salary is $97,036, compared to the national median of $84,348.$66.1K$85.1K$104.1K$123.1K$142.2K$73.4K10th Pctl$81.8K25th Pctl$97.0KMedian$115.8K75th Pctl$135.4K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Lake Stevens, WA typically start between $73,395 and $81,850 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,011 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,03615.04% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Lake Stevens metro area.

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg WA Program Cost
$73,395
Starting Salary
40.87%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 40.87% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($73,395/year) in Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens

  • 1Research the Lake Stevens market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $73,395 to $81,850, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens is $62,011 ( 84.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,395, experienced hygienists can earn up to $135,406.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$51,651

2025 BLS Actual

$69,707

2026 Current Est.

$73,395

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Lake Stevens (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lake Stevens. Baseline $51,651 in 2025, projected to $77,277 by 2027.$46.5K$55.5K$64.5K$73.4K$82.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$51.7K$52.5K$58.3K$59.5K$62.3K$69.9K$69.7K$73.4K$77.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$51,651Actual
2020$52,523Actual
2021$58,338Actual
2022$59,471Actual
2023$62,286Actual
2024$69,860Actual
2025$69,707Actual
2026(current)$73,395Estimated
2027$77,277Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Lake Stevens, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,651 in 2019 to $69,707 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,277. New graduates entering the Lake Stevens job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Lake Stevens

In Lake Stevens, various healthcare employers actively seek to hire new radiologic technologist and technician graduates. Major hospital systems in the area often recruit entry-level candidates, frequently offering paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT) within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains are an excellent option for new grads as they also look for cross-trained technicians. While orthopedic practices typically prefer more experienced technologists skilled in extremity imaging, the demand for qualified entry-level staff remains robust. To enhance starting pay in Washington, graduates should focus on obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, national registration from the ARRT in radiography (R), and any additional certifications in other modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography. Understanding that cross-training into these areas is critical for achieving higher salary potential will aid new graduates in planning their career trajectories and optimizing salary growth during their first few years in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lake Stevens in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Lake Stevens start at approximately $73,395/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $35.29/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Lake Stevens?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Lake Stevens progress from the entry-level salary of $73,395 to the area median of $97,036 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $135,406 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lake Stevens?

With a starting salary of $73,395/year in Lake Stevens and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Lake Stevens?

New radiologic technology graduates in Lake Stevens typically start near the 10th percentile at $73,395/year, or approximately $35.29/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Washington?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Washington, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Washington, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Washington

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 Lake Stevens. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Lake Stevens is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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