Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Sterling, VA: $77,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Sterling, VA earns a median $77,990/year (≈ $37.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $75,572 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians stands at $77,990 for 2026, reflecting a competitive position in the job market, albeit slightly below the national median of $84,348. Local salaries fluctuate considerably, with a range from $57,970 at the lower end (P10) to $112,436 for the higher earners (P90). These figures represent independent estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost variances. Technologists who enhance their qualifications through cross-training in modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography can expect upward mobility in their pay, positioning themselves for roles that typically command higher compensation in the Sterling job market.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,970 | $27.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,299 | $30.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,990 | $37.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,256 | $45.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,436 | $54.06 |
Median Salary Position
7.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,466 (2026 est.). At $77,990, the local median is 7.54% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Sterling median: $77,990/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $81,325 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -7.54% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Sterling, VA earn a median of $77,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.54% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $81,325.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,990 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,572 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,949
2025 BLS Actual
$74,072
2026 Current Est.
$77,990
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,949 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,744 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $55,949 (2019) to $74,072 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,167 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $57,970 – $63,299 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,299 – $77,990 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,990 – $95,256 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,256 – $112,436 |
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 Sterling
While there are currently just seven employed radiologic technologists and technicians in Sterling, the local job market dynamics reveal significant opportunities for growth. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that while Sterling is slightly above the national average, the salaries may not stretch as far as they would in lower-cost areas. Local employers, including hospital imaging departments, outpatient imaging centers, and orthopedic practices, often provide the most lucrative paychecks. The disparity between lower and higher salaries is influenced by factors such as modality cross-training, shift differentials, and additional responsibilities in leadership or specialized roles. For those in Sterling looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing cross-training certifications and seeking positions in high-demand facilities, particularly those affiliated with trauma centers, could offer the best strategic advantage in improving their salary prospects in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Sterling?
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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 $74,072 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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