Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Seattle, WA: $84,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Seattle, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,348 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Seattle's local price level (BEA RPP 111.1 — 11% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,898 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,765) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in 2026 for new graduates is projected at $84,348. This figure presents a significant starting point, yet it falls below the city median of $110,765. Recent graduates can expect to advance in their careers, with potential earnings increasing to $98,404 as they reach the 25th percentile within their first few years. With a growth trajectory forecasted at 5.29% annually, Seattle remains a promising market for those entering the radiologic field, accommodating the expanding needs of its healthcare sector. New radiologic technologists and technicians are uniquely positioned to benefit from a robust job market that rewards experience and specialized training in multiple modalities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Seattle
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 Seattle
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Seattle, WA typically start between $84,348 and $98,404 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,972 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,765 — 31.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 35.57% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($84,348/year) in Seattle. 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 Seattle
- 1Research the Seattle market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $84,348 to $98,404, 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Seattle's above-average cost of living (index: 111.133) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Seattle is $56,972 ( 67.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,348, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,320.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,290
2025 BLS Actual
$80,110
2026 Current Est.
$84,348
2019–2027 Growth
+60.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,810 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Seattle, WA grew 44.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,290 in 2019 to $80,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,810. New graduates entering the Seattle job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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 Seattle
In Seattle, various employers actively recruit new radiologic technologist and technician graduates, particularly within hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains are also key players in hiring, favoring technicians with cross-training in various modalities to accommodate diverse patient needs. To maximize starting salaries and employment opportunities, it’s advisable for new graduates to seek credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieve ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and obtain any necessary state licenses. With a focus on cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography, first-year technologists can expect salary growth during their initial employment. The growing consolidation of outpatient imaging chains indicates that those equipped with a versatile skill set will have greater prospects, as traditional radiography roles may experience stagnation at the lower end of the pay scale.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Seattle. 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