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 107.4 — 7% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Lake Stevens
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 $97,036 — 15.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,523 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,338 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,707 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,277 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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 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.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lake Stevens?
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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 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).
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