Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $36.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Charleston, SC runs $36.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,577 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,951 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the hourly pay for radiologic technologists and technicians is projected to reach a median of $36.82 in 2026. When compared to the national hourly median of $40.55, this reflects a slightly lower rate for local professionals. This hourly wage translates to approximately $1,470 for a full-time, 40-hour work week, making it a viable option for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, including hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities. Entry-level positions might start around $29.59, while experienced professionals can earn up to $49.01 per hour, showcasing a robust earning potential across different expertise levels and modalities.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.59 | $236.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.80 | $254.38 |
| Median (P50) | $36.82 | $294.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.01 | $392.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.01 | $392.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $36.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.82/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $76,585 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,184. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,472.80 | $6,382 | $76,585 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $883.68 | $3,829 | $45,951 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.12 | $2,553 | $30,634 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Charleston) | $36.82 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $76,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 0.50% above the South Carolina state average of $76,196.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.82/hr = $45,951/year (purchasing power: $45,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,585/year (purchasing power: $75,856).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Charleston grew 19.7% from $29.21/hr (2019) to $34.97/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.77/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
The earning potential for part-time radiologic technologists and technicians who work three days a week (24 hours) could yield an annual income of about $45,444, whereas full-time workers could significantly amplify their take-home pay. Per diem positions are commonly favored for their flexibility, with radiologic technologists and technicians billing anywhere from $40 to $60 per hour; cross-trained professionals in modalities like CT and MRI can see rates elevate to $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts offer attractive earnings as well, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, particularly for those in high-demand specialties. Compensation can vary based on employer types, with hospitals typically offering lower pay but better benefits compared to the higher hourly rates at outpatient centers or agencies, which may not include health insurance. For those negotiating rates in Charleston, emphasizing skills in cross-training and certification through ASRT and ARRT can be advantageous for achieving a better hourly wage.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Charleston?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Charleston?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
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
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 Charleston. 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