Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Paducah, KY: $79,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Paducah, KY earns a median $79,178/year (≈ $38.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Paducah's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 86.1), that paycheck buys what $91,978 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Kentucky state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, radiologic technologists and technicians in Paducah, Kentucky, can anticipate a median annual salary of $79,178, slightly below the national median of $84,348. The compensation spectrum ranges from $54,751 at the lower 10th percentile to a high of $104,974 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse job responsibilities and skill sets available in the market. Credentials in additional modalities, such as CT and MRI, can significantly elevate earning potential, positioning professionals favorably in a region where demand is growing. Data sourced from BLS OEWS surveys reveals that those with cross-training may enhance their marketability and pay within this compact sector, where a solid skill set can translate into better opportunities in local healthcare facilities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,751 | $26.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,848 | $31.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,178 | $38.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,939 | $44.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,974 | $50.48 |
Median Salary Position
6.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paducah
In Paducah, KY, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,223 (2026 est.). At $79,178, the local median is 6.13% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paducah: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paducah Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Paducah median: $79,178/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paducah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $79,656 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -6.13% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Paducah, KY earn a median of $79,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 0.60% below the Kentucky state average of $79,656.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paducah has a cost of living 13.92% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paducah, KY has a cost-of-living index of 86.084 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $79,178 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,978 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,801
2025 BLS Actual
$75,200
2026 Current Est.
$79,178
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,801 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,609 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,148 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,367 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paducah metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $56,801 (2019) to $75,200 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,367 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,566 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paducah 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) | $54,751 – $64,848 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,848 – $79,178 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,178 – $91,939 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,939 – $104,974 |
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 Paducah
Currently, around 120 radiologic technologists and technicians are employed in Paducah, creating a competitive job market for individuals entering the field. The cost of living index stands at 86.084, indicating a lower-than-average expense profile that enhances take-home earnings for local workers. High-paying opportunities can often be found in hospital imaging departments, where extensive modality training is crucial for positions in trauma centers or leading roles. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing certifications that broaden their skills and qualifications, such as ARRT registration in multiple modalities, while also being open to shift differentials or on-call hours that can boost income. As the job market adjusts and local employers adapt to increasing demands, strategic career moves can lead to better financial outcomes for those in the Paducah radiologic field.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Paducah, KY in 2026?
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Paducah?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in Paducah?
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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
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 $75,200 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Paducah 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, 2-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