Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Walla Walla, WA: $65,669 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Walla Walla, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,669 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Walla Walla's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,656 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,709) within a few years of clinical practice.

$65,669
Starting Salary
$31.58/hr
Starting Hourly
$65,669
Entry Level
$98,709
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Walla Walla, WA, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected to be around $65,669 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level range for those just starting their careers, a considerable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $98,709. Over the initial years of employment, early-career professionals can realistically expect their earnings to grow as they gain experience and possibly move from entry-level roles into more advanced positions, reaching figures like $79,705 at the 25th percentile within their first few years. Given the demand for skilled radiologic technologists and technicians, Walla Walla currently presents a favorable market for recent graduates, offering competitive initial compensation that is approximately 17.03% higher than the national median of $84,348.

Career Earnings Timeline in Walla Walla

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$65,669/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$79,705/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$98,709/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$101,479/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Walla Walla

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Walla Walla. The median salary is $98,709, compared to the national median of $84,348.$59.1K$76.7K$94.4K$112.0K$129.6K$65.7K10th Pctl$79.7K25th Pctl$98.7KMedian$101.5K75th Pctl$123.5K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Walla Walla, WA typically start between $65,669 and $79,705 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,805 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,70917.03% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg WA Program Cost
$65,669
Starting Salary
45.68%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Washington of $30,000 represents just 45.68% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($65,669/year) in Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla

  • 1Research the Walla Walla market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $65,669 to $79,705, 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 Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Walla Walla'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 Walla Walla is $57,805 ( 88.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,669, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,474.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$46,215

2025 BLS Actual

$62,370

2026 Current Est.

$65,669

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Walla Walla (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 Walla Walla. Baseline $46,215 in 2025, projected to $69,143 by 2027.$41.6K$49.7K$57.7K$65.7K$73.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$46.2K$56.9K$52.2K$53.2K$62.5K$63.6K$62.4K$65.7K$69.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$46,215Actual
2020$56,870Actual
2021$52,198Actual
2022$53,212Actual
2023$62,490Actual
2024$63,570Actual
2025$62,370Actual
2026(current)$65,669Estimated
2027$69,143Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Walla Walla, WA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,215 in 2019 to $62,370 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,143. New graduates entering the Walla Walla job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

For those looking to secure their first job in Walla Walla, understanding which employers are hiring can significantly influence starting pay. Hospital systems in the region are often eager to recruit new graduates, providing opportunities for paid CT cross-training during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers also play a vital role in hiring, though they generally seek cross-trained technologists. To enhance earning potential, obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieving ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications can be particularly advantageous. New graduates are encouraged to focus on broadening their skill set, as transitioning into specialized areas such as CT, MRI, or mammography can lead to higher salaries. As Walla Walla becomes more competitive due to outpatient imaging chain consolidations, the potential for salary increases in the first few years can be significant, provided individuals actively invest in their continuing education and professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Walla Walla start at approximately $65,669/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 $31.57/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 Walla Walla?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Walla Walla progress from the entry-level salary of $65,669 to the area median of $98,709 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $123,474 (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 Walla Walla?

With a starting salary of $65,669/year in Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla?

New radiologic technology graduates in Walla Walla typically start near the 10th percentile at $65,669/year, or approximately $31.57/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 Walla Walla. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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

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