Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $31.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Cookeville, TN runs $31.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,302 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cookeville, TN, radiologic technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $31.49, which reflects a notable difference compared to the national median of $40.55. This means professionals working in various settings such as hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities may find themselves earning less than their peers in other regions. For those opting for part-time work—say, three days a week—the hourly rate translates to between $23.04 and $44.74, depending on experience and qualifications. This range highlights the entry-level compensation versus the earnings of seasoned professionals. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary projections for 2026, providing a relevant benchmark for those considering a career in this field.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.04 | $184.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.89 | $207.13 |
| Median (P50) | $31.49 | $251.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.15 | $305.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.74 | $357.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $31.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.49/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $65,504 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,791. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,259.69 | $5,459 | $65,504 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $755.81 | $3,275 | $39,302 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.88 | $2,183 | $26,202 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Cookeville) | $31.49 |
| 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 Cookeville, TN earn a median of $65,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.35% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $68,946.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.49/hr = $39,302/year (purchasing power: $42,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,504/year (purchasing power: $71,355).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Cookeville grew 32.4% from $22.59/hr (2019) to $29.91/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.16/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 Cookeville 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 Cookeville
For radiologic technologists and technicians in Cookeville, part-time positions can offer competitive annual take-home pay, particularly for those committed to a 24-hour workweek. Full-time radiologic technologists enjoy higher earnings, but part-time workers still find meaningful income opportunities while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem arrangements are becoming increasingly popular; these professionals often command rates between $40 and $60 per hour, with cross-trained CT and MRI technologists earning higher pay, reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts also show considerable financial promise; techs can earn between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly during assignments. The type of employer makes a difference too—those in hospitals may receive lower hourly rates but often come with benefits, whereas outpatient and mobile imaging settings might pay more but without health insurance. Those weighing their options should negotiate rates based on their qualifications, including any cross-training in specialized modalities, to maximize their hourly pay in Cookeville.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Cookeville in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Cookeville?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Cookeville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Cookeville?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cookeville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Cookeville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cookeville 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