Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pullman, WA: $72,016 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pullman, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,016 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pullman's local price level (BEA RPP 107.47% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,054 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,290) within a few years of clinical practice.

$72,016
Starting Salary
$34.62/hr
Starting Hourly
$72,016
Entry Level
$96,290
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Pullman, WA, can expect a starting annual salary around $72,016 in 2026. While this figure sits below the city’s median of $96,290, it marks a solid entry point for those just embarking on their careers. Over the first few years, as professionals gain experience and potentially pursue additional certifications, salaries will likely grow, with expectations of reaching the P25 tier at approximately $80,320 within three years. Given the rising demand for technologists and the projected growth rate of 5.29% in the field, Pullman presents a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish themselves in radiologic technology.

About the Pullman Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Pullman

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$72,016/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$80,320/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$96,290/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$119,709/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pullman

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Pullman. The median salary is $96,290, compared to the national median of $84,348.$64.8K$86.0K$107.1K$128.2K$149.4K$72.0K10th Pctl$80.3K25th Pctl$96.3KMedian$119.7K75th Pctl$142.3K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pullman, WA typically start between $72,016 and $80,320 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,254 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,29014.16% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg WA Program Cost
$72,016
Starting Salary
41.66%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 41.66% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($72,016/year) in Pullman. 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 Pullman

  • 1Research the Pullman market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $72,016 to $80,320, 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 Pullman, 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 Pullman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Pullman'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 Pullman is $70,254 ( 97.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,016, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,270.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$50,681

2025 BLS Actual

$68,398

2026 Current Est.

$72,016

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pullman (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 Pullman. Baseline $50,681 in 2025, projected to $75,826 by 2027.$45.7K$54.5K$63.3K$72.1K$80.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$50.7K$51.5K$57.2K$58.4K$61.1K$68.5K$68.4K$72.0K$75.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$50,681Actual
2020$51,537Actual
2021$57,243Actual
2022$58,355Actual
2023$61,116Actual
2024$68,521Actual
2025$68,398Actual
2026(current)$72,016Estimated
2027$75,826Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pullman, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,681 in 2019 to $68,398 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,826. New graduates entering the Pullman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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 Pullman

For aspiring radiologic technologists, securing employment in Pullman typically involves seeking positions within local hospital systems, which often provide cross-training in specialized imaging modalities like CT or MRI during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers also actively recruit, valuing technologists equipped with diverse skill sets. New graduates armed with a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and ARRT national registration in radiography (R) will find their credentials enhance hiring prospects and starting pay. In this evolving job market, cross-training into additional modalities is not only encouraged but is seen as the standard route toward higher salaries. Realistically, individuals in their first three years of practice may see salary growth that aligns with regional trends, especially as pure radiography positions begin to yield to more advanced imaging roles, responding to the consolidation seen in outpatient settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Pullman start at approximately $72,016/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 $34.62/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 Pullman?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Pullman progress from the entry-level salary of $72,016 to the area median of $96,290 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $142,270 (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 Pullman?

With a starting salary of $72,016/year in Pullman 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 Pullman?

New radiologic technology graduates in Pullman typically start near the 10th percentile at $72,016/year, or approximately $34.62/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 Pullman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Pullman 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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