Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $39.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Altoona, PA runs $39.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,722 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the projected hourly pay for radiologic technologists and technicians in 2026 is set at $39.84, slightly below the national hourly median of $40.55. This rate reflects the varying compensation available in typical settings like hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities, where both part-time and per-diem professionals often find opportunities. For those considering part-time work at three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a manageable yet fulfilling income, catering to the flexibility many seek in the radiologic field. Entry-level roles present hourly wages starting at around $26.42, while seasoned professionals and specialists can earn up to $46.61, illustrating the potential for career advancement and specialization in areas like MRI and mammography.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.42 | $211.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.05 | $248.40 |
| Median (P50) | $39.84 | $318.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.17 | $321.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.61 | $372.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $39.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.84/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $82,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,810. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,593.67 | $6,906 | $82,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $956.20 | $4,144 | $49,722 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.47 | $2,762 | $33,148 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Altoona) | $39.84 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Altoona, PA earn a median of $82,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 6.60% above the Pennsylvania state average of $77,733.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.84/hr = $49,722/year (purchasing power: $55,552).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,871/year (purchasing power: $92,586).
CoL index: 89.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+65.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Altoona grew 48.9% from $25.41/hr (2019) to $37.84/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.95/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altoona 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Altoona
Part-time technologists working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home an income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, illustrating the financial trade-offs involved. Per diem radiologic technologist and technician pay in Altoona often ranges from $40 to $60. Those who are cross-trained in CT and MRI modalities frequently command higher rates, sometimes between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts for rad techs can lead to remarkable weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, highlighting the lucrative possibilities outside standard employment. Different types of employers, such as outpatient imaging centers or orthopedic surgery practices, can offer distinct hourly rates, with some providing benefits that can amount to substantial savings in healthcare costs. Thus, some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages with benefits, understanding the long-term value. When negotiating pay, it's beneficial for radiologic technologists in Altoona to emphasize their certifications, modality training, and experience to potentially secure a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Altoona in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Altoona?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Altoona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Altoona?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Altoona?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Altoona. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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