Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Chico, CA: $108,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Chico, CA earns a median $108,449/year (≈ $52.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $107,166 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, CA, the earning potential for radiologic technologists and technicians is illustrated through a median annual salary of $108,449, significantly surpassing the national average of $84,348. This figure stems from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, showing a full salary range from $51,487 at the 10th percentile to $140,099 at the 90th percentile. The local compensation landscape reflects the structural dynamics between hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging chains. Generally, roles within hospitals tend to offer higher pay due to the complexities involved, including the need for cross-trained specialists in modalities like CT, MRI, and mammography, which adds significant value in this competitive job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,487 | $24.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,142 | $29.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,449 | $52.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,697 | $63.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,099 | $67.35 |
Median Salary Position
28.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,612 (2026 est.). At $108,449, the local median is 28.57% above the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be above the median
How Chico Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Chico median: $108,449/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $115,248 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | +28.57% more |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Chico, CA earn a median of $108,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.57% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 5.90% below the California state average of $115,248.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,449 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,166 — a 1.18% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$72,560
2025 BLS Actual
$103,000
2026 Current Est.
$108,449
2019–2027 Growth
+57.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,186 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 42.0% from $72,560 (2019) to $103,000 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,186 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,626 (57.37%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,487 – $61,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,142 – $108,449 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,449 – $132,697 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,697 – $140,099 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Chico
The local job market for radiologic technologists and technicians is robust, with about 150 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index in Chico, standing at 101.197, indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting overall take-home purchasing power. Employers within the hospital sector typically provide the most attractive salaries, especially for those who take on advanced modalities or leadership roles. Factors such as cross-training in multiple modalities, specialty certifications, and additional stipends for night shifts or being on-call can often lead to higher wages. For those looking to maximize their radiologic technologist and technician pay in Chico, pursuing certifications through ASRT or ARRT, along with gaining experience in higher-demand subspecialties, can enhance salary prospects significantly.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Chico, CA in 2026?
Is Chico, CA a good place to work as a radiologic technologist and technician?
Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Chico?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in Chico?
How much does a radiologic technologist and technician make per hour in Chico?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $103,000 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Chico metropolitan area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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