Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Chico, CA: $140,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Chico, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $140,099/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Chico's price premium (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $138,442 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians have significant earning potential, particularly at the senior level. The projected salary range for 2026 highlights impressive compensation figures, with top earners in the area earning up to $140,099 annually. This figure eclipses the national benchmark for top professionals, showcasing the lucrative opportunities present for seasoned specialists. The median salary of $108,449 reflects a robust experience premium, emphasizing that those with 7 or more years of experience can command higher wages by pursuing advanced certifications and specialty training. Achieving top-tier pay in Chico requires a commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement, especially through cross-training in modalities like CT and MRI.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Chico earn between $132,697 and $140,099 per year (2026 est.). This $88,612 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chico median of $108,449 sits 28.57% above the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Chico | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $108,449 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,697 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $140,099 | $124,937 |
In Chico, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 29.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay in Chico
Advanced Certifications in California
CA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $108,449 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chico employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Chico command premium compensation, often reaching the $132,697–$140,099 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chico metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologic technologists and technicians in Chico with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Chico
Clinical Radiologic Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologic Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsRadiologic Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChico ranks #153 of 158 California cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $140,099).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Chico ($140,099) is 16.11% below the California average P90 ($167,012).
2019 BLS Actual
$118,090
2025 BLS Actual
$133,060
2026 Current Est.
$140,099
2019–2027 Growth
+24.9%
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 | $118,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,510 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Chico saw their compensation grow 12.7% from $118,090 in 2019 to $133,060 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.29% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $147,510 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Radiologic Technologist and Technician Earnings in Chico
Elevated wages for senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Chico stem from a variety of factors, notably specialization in high-demand areas such as CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M). Facilities like hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers often provide differing compensation packages, with hospitals generally offering higher pay scales compared to urgent care chains or mobile X-ray companies. As professionals advance in their careers, paths such as becoming a lead technologist or imaging department manager become available, frequently accompanied by increased pay and additional benefits. Credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs alongside ARRT national registration not only secure senior roles but also substantiate higher earnings. Beyond standard salaries, those in senior positions may enjoy additional compensation through shift differentials, call coverage, and leadership stipends, maximizing their financial opportunities in the dynamic healthcare landscape of Chico, CA.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Chico in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Chico?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Chico?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Chico?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Chico?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $133,060 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Chico metro area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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