Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pasco, WA: $70,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pasco, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,418 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasco's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,566 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,893) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Pasco, Washington, can anticipate an entry-level salary of around $70,418 in 2026, which represents the lower end of the pay spectrum for this profession. While this may seem modest compared to the overall median salary of $97,893 for all radiologic technologists and technicians in the area, it is essential to recognize the growth potential in this field. New professionals can expect to see their earnings rise through the first few years of their careers. The progression from a starting salary to the 25th percentile at $79,972 demonstrates a pathway for advancement, indicating that the Pasco market is favorable for recent graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasco
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 Pasco
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pasco, WA typically start between $70,418 and $79,972 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,121 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,893 — 16.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 42.60% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($70,418/year) in Pasco. 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 Pasco
- 1Research the Pasco market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $70,418 to $79,972, 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 Pasco, 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 Pasco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pasco'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 Pasco is $74,121 ( 105.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,418, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,539.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,557
2025 BLS Actual
$66,880
2026 Current Est.
$70,418
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,557 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,972 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,059 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,143 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pasco, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,557 in 2019 to $66,880 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,143. New graduates entering the Pasco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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 Pasco
Several employers in Pasco provide excellent opportunities for new graduates in radiologic technology, particularly within hospital systems that often offer hands-on training and paid CT cross-training in the initial years. Outpatient imaging centers also seek new grads, especially those with cross-training in various modalities, while orthopedic practices may prefer hiring technicians with more experience. To help increase their earning potential, newcomers should aim to obtain credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, national registration through the ARRT (R), and any relevant state licensure. Entry-level positions may primarily involve standard radiography; however, advancement in pay results from gaining additional ARRT modality certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography. With a realistic growth trajectory, those beginning their careers can expect significant salary increases from their initial positions, provided they continue to develop their skills and qualifications in this evolving field.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pasco in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Pasco?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pasco?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Pasco?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Washington?
Related Pages
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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 Pasco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasco 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