Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Fullerton, CA: $178,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Fullerton, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $178,453/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Fullerton's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $157,783 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, CA, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians are positioned to secure notable salaries, with top earners projecting an annual income of $178,453 by 2026. The 75th percentile professionals can expect around $147,648, underscoring the significant earnings potential within this field. The median salary of $118,326 reveals a striking experience premium, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available to those with extensive tenure and specialized training. Achieving top-tier pay involves not only accumulating years of experience but also pursuing advanced certifications and specializations that are highly sought after in the market, particularly in a competitive locale like Fullerton.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Fullerton earn between $147,648 and $178,453 per year (2026 est.). This $98,912 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fullerton median of $118,326 sits 40.28% above the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Fullerton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $118,326 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,648 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $178,453 | $124,937 |
In Fullerton, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 50.81% 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 Fullerton
Advanced Certifications in California
CA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $118,326 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fullerton employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Fullerton command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,648–$178,453 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
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
AdvancedFullerton ranks #34 of 158 California cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $178,453).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Fullerton ($178,453) is 6.85% above the California average P90 ($167,012).
2019 BLS Actual
$128,208
2025 BLS Actual
$169,487
2026 Current Est.
$178,453
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,521 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,892 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,234 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,209 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,893 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Fullerton saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $128,208 in 2019 to $169,487 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 $187,893 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Compensation for senior radiologic technologists and technicians varies widely across different sectors in Fullerton. Specializations such as CT, MRI, and mammography command premiums, allowing professionals to maximize their earning potential. Employers in hospital imaging departments may offer distinct advantages like comprehensive benefits packages, while outpatient imaging centers and urgent care chains often favor streamlined operational efficiencies that impact pay structures differently. Furthermore, advanced roles, including lead rad tech or imaging department manager, are increasingly relevant paths for seasoned professionals seeking career advancement and higher salaries. Those equipped with multiple ARRT certifications and additional credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs stand to gain even more traction in salary negotiations. Non-salary compensation factors such as modality cross-training, shift differentials, and leadership stipends further enhance the comprehensive pay landscape for senior radiologic professionals in this Californian city.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Fullerton in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Fullerton?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Fullerton?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Fullerton?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Fullerton?
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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 $169,487 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Fullerton 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
Salary data for Fullerton 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