Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Columbia, MD: $92,065 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Columbia, MD earns a median $92,065/year (≈ $44.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $84,231 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologic technologists and technicians in Columbia, Maryland, can expect a median annual salary of $92,065 in 2026, representing a 9.15% increase compared to the national median of $84,348. The salary range for these professionals is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $62,396 for the 10th percentile and reaching up to $138,787 for the top 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, adjusted for the local cost of living, which significantly impacts compensation in Columbia, where it stands at an index of 109.3, indicating that living expenses are slightly higher than the national average. The area's trauma center designation and related shift differentials also play a vital role in driving effective compensation for radiologic professionals.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,396 | $30.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,553 | $34.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,065 | $44.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,128 | $55.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138,787 | $66.72 |
Median Salary Position
9.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MD, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,391 (2026 est.). At $92,065, the local median is 9.15% above the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Columbia median: $92,065/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $92,157 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | +9.15% more |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Columbia, MD earn a median of $92,065 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.15% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 0.10% below the Maryland state average of $92,157.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,065 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $84,231 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,046
2025 BLS Actual
$87,439
2026 Current Est.
$92,065
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,046 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,985 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,099 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,908 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,065 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,935 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $66,046 (2019) to $87,439 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,935 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,889 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $62,396 – $72,553 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,553 – $92,065 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,065 – $115,128 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,128 – $138,787 |
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 Columbia
In Columbia, MD, the local job market is relatively robust, with 24 radiologic technologists and technicians currently employed in the area. This employment figure reflects the demand for skilled professionals in a region where the cost of living may affect the effective take-home pay for workers. Employers at hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers tend to offer the most lucrative salaries, specifically rewarding modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography with higher compensation compared to basic radiography roles. The distribution of pay stems from factors including shift differentials, call coverage, and the designation of facilities as trauma centers, which often necessitate a higher level of expertise. To maximize earning potential, professionals should consider cross-training into multiple modalities, seeking roles in higher-paying facilities, and staying active in professional associations like ASRT for continued education and advancement opportunities in the field.
More salary data for Columbia, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $87,439 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Columbia 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
Salary data for Columbia 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