Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Olympia, WA: $70,239 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Olympia, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,239 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Olympia's local price level (BEA RPP 103.7 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,752 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,331) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field as radiologic technologists and technicians in Olympia, Washington, can expect a starting salary around $70,239 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $100,331, reflecting the typical pay gap between entry-level positions and more experienced roles. Over the course of the first few years, as professionals gain experience and consider positions that require more specialized skills, salaries demonstrate potential growth, moving from the ten percentile to the twenty-fifth percentile at around $86,443. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, entry-level positions in Olympia present a promising opportunity for new graduates, making it a favorable market for those just starting their careers in radiology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Olympia
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 Olympia
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Olympia, WA typically start between $70,239 and $86,443 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,647 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,331 — 18.95% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 42.71% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($70,239/year) in Olympia. 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 Olympia
- 1Research the Olympia market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $70,239 to $86,443, 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Olympia'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 Olympia is $61,647 ( 87.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,239, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,886.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,180
2025 BLS Actual
$66,710
2026 Current Est.
$70,239
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,239 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,955 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Olympia, WA grew 23.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,180 in 2019 to $66,710 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,955. New graduates entering the Olympia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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 Olympia
In Olympia, various employers actively seek new graduates in the radiologic technology field. Hospitals are primary recruiters, often providing paid cross-training in modalities like CT or MRI during the first couple of years, which significantly enhances starting pay. Outpatient imaging centers also hire new grads, but they particularly value candidates willing to expand their skill set beyond standard radiography. Credentials play a vital role in determining salary, with those graduating from JRCERT-accredited programs and achieving ARRT national registration in radiography (R) being highly competitive. While entry-level roles may initially offer limited financial return, cross-training into advanced modalities is a widely recognized strategy for salary increases. Professionals can realistically anticipate better compensation within their first three years by pursuing additional certifications and gaining clinical experience, especially in a changing market where outpatient imaging chains have reshaped hiring practices in WA.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Olympia in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Olympia?
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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 Olympia. 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