Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Fairmont, WV: $57,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Fairmont, WV job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,079 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fairmont's local price level (BEA RPP 86.5 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,987 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,866) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairmont, West Virginia, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected to be $57,079 for 2026, which is considerably lower than the city's median of $73,866. This creates a gap of roughly $16,787 for new graduates entering the job market. However, there’s potential for growth; as entry-level professionals gain experience, they can expect their salaries to progress to around $62,642 after a few years. Fairmont presents a relatively stable job market for new grads, especially given the overall annual growth rate of 5.29% for this career within the area, suggesting a healthy demand for radiologic technologists and technicians.
About the Fairmont Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fairmont
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 Fairmont
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Fairmont, WV typically start between $57,079 and $62,642 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,229 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,866 — 12.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in West Virginia of $18,000 represents just 31.54% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,079/year) in Fairmont. 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 Fairmont
- 1Research the Fairmont market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,079 to $62,642, 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 WV often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fairmont, 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 Fairmont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fairmont's below-average 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 Fairmont is $46,229 ( 80.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,079, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,308.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,169
2025 BLS Actual
$54,211
2026 Current Est.
$57,079
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,251 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,439 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,654 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,098 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Fairmont, WV grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,169 in 2019 to $54,211 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,098. New graduates entering the Fairmont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairmont 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 Fairmont
Job opportunities for new graduates in Fairmont primarily lie within local hospital systems, which are well-known for hiring recent graduates and offering additional paid cross-training opportunities in CT and MRI during the first one to two years of employment. Outpatient imaging centers also tend to seek entry-level technologists, particularly those who are cross-trained. To maximize earning potential, completing a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT registration in radiography is vital. Additionally, pursuing specialties via ARRT modality certifications can further enhance starting pay in this market. In the initial years, while entry-level pay may seem modest, strategic career moves—such as transitioning into roles with a focus on CT, MRI, or mammography—can significantly elevate salaries over time.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairmont in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Fairmont?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Fairmont?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Fairmont?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in West Virginia?
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 Fairmont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairmont 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