Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Renton, WA: $69,439 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Renton, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,439 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Renton's local price level (BEA RPP 107.47% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,655 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,952) within a few years of clinical practice.

$69,439
Starting Salary
$33.39/hr
Starting Hourly
$69,439
Entry Level
$102,952
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Renton is projected to start at approximately $69,439. While this number may seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $102,952, it reflects the realities of breaking into the field. New graduates can expect to see meaningful salary increases as they gain experience, with expectations for growth toward the 25th percentile at $80,879 within the first few years. Renton currently presents a solid job market for recent graduates, particularly given the healthy 5.29% annual growth rate projected for the profession. Those willing to invest in additional training, such as cross-training in CT or MRI, stand to enhance their earnings significantly over time.

About the Renton Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Renton

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$69,439/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$80,879/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$102,952/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$126,208/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Renton

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Renton. The median salary is $102,952, compared to the national median of $84,348.$62.5K$86.5K$110.5K$134.5K$158.5K$69.4K10th Pctl$80.9K25th Pctl$103.0KMedian$126.2K75th Pctl$150.9K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Renton, WA typically start between $69,439 and $80,879 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,492 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,95222.06% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg WA Program Cost
$69,439
Starting Salary
43.20%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 43.20% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($69,439/year) in Renton. 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 Renton

  • 1Research the Renton market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $69,439 to $80,879, 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 Renton, 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 Renton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Renton'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 Renton is $81,492 ( 117.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,439, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,931.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$48,868

2025 BLS Actual

$65,950

2026 Current Est.

$69,439

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Renton (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 Renton. Baseline $48,868 in 2025, projected to $73,112 by 2027.$44.0K$52.5K$61.0K$69.5K$78.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$48.9K$49.7K$55.2K$56.3K$58.9K$65.9K$66.0K$69.4K$73.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$48,868Actual
2020$49,692Actual
2021$55,194Actual
2022$56,266Actual
2023$58,929Actual
2024$65,943Actual
2025$65,950Actual
2026(current)$69,439Estimated
2027$73,112Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Renton, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,868 in 2019 to $65,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,112. New graduates entering the Renton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Renton typically hiring new grad radiologic technologists include major hospital systems, outpatient imaging chains, and orthopedic practices. Hospital systems often support recent graduates with paid cross-training opportunities, particularly in CT, during their first one to two years of employment. Outpatient imaging centers favor cross-trained technicians, enhancing their marketability. To boost starting salaries in Washington, recent graduates should aim for credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and pursue ARRT national registration in radiography. Many employers recognize the value of continued education and are likely to reward additional certifications, such as those in specialty modalities. For those entering the field, focusing on roles that allow for cross-training will be crucial, as pure radiography positions often offer lower starting pay. Advancing through the first few years typically leads to realistic salary growth opportunities well above initial entry-level pay, especially within the evolving healthcare landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Renton start at approximately $69,439/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 $33.38/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 Renton?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Renton progress from the entry-level salary of $69,439 to the area median of $102,952 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $150,931 (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 Renton?

With a starting salary of $69,439/year in Renton 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 Renton?

New radiologic technology graduates in Renton typically start near the 10th percentile at $69,439/year, or approximately $33.38/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 Renton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Renton 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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