Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Bristol, VA: $66,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Bristol, VA earns a median $66,188/year (≈ $31.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $64,136 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologic technologists and technicians in Bristol, Virginia are projected to earn a median annual salary of $66,188. This figure not only reflects local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data but also demonstrates a notable gap when compared to the national median of $84,348, indicating a potential constraint on local compensation. With salaries ranging from $49,236 at the lower end to $92,570 at the upper tier, it's evident that various factors, including shift differentials and the presence of trauma centers, play significant roles in driving compensation within the region. The job market for these professionals remains focused, with only six radiologic technologists and technicians employed locally, making market dynamics particularly influential on salary negotiations.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,236 | $23.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,741 | $26.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,188 | $31.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,840 | $38.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,570 | $44.51 |
Median Salary Position
21.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,334 (2026 est.). At $66,188, the local median is 21.53% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bristol median: $66,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $81,313 | -18.60% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -21.53% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Bristol, VA earn a median of $66,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.53% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 18.60% below the Virginia state average of $81,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,188 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,136 — a 3.1% 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
$47,483
2025 BLS Actual
$62,863
2026 Current Est.
$66,188
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,483 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,116 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,467 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,863 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,690 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $47,483 (2019) to $62,863 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,690 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,207 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $49,236 – $54,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,741 – $66,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,188 – $79,840 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,840 – $92,570 |
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 Bristol
Living in Bristol, where the cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 103.2, can have implications for take-home pay and overall purchasing power for radiologic technologists and technicians. Local employers such as hospital imaging departments often provide the most competitive salaries, especially for those who cross-train in modalities like CT or MRI, leading to higher wage potential. The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay spectrum can be attributed to various factors, including shift differentials, call coverage assignments, and stipends for lead roles. Professionals seeking to maximize their pay in Bristol's market should consider pursuing additional certifications and modalities while staying aware of employment opportunities in outpatient imaging centers and travel rad tech agencies that could offer enhanced compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Bristol, VA in 2026?
Is Bristol, VA a good place to work as a radiologic technologist and technician?
Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in Bristol?
How much does a radiologic technologist and technician make per hour in Bristol?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $62,863 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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