Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Long Beach, CA: $176,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Long Beach, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $176,890/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Long Beach's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $156,401 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians stand to benefit significantly from their advanced skills, with top earners receiving a substantial salary of $176,890 in 2026, while those at the P75 percentile earn $146,077. This impressive earning potential reflects a growing demand for highly specialized professionals in the region, particularly as the median salary sits at $114,123. The notable gap between these figures highlights the rewards accessible to senior technologists who pursue advanced certifications, such as ARRT registration in various modalities. To reach these top-tier pay levels, seasoned technologists often need to engage in specialized training and continuous education, potentially incorporating multiple modalities like CT and MRI into their skill set.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Long Beach earn between $146,077 and $176,890 per year (2026 est.). This $104,314 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Long Beach median of $114,123 sits 35.3% above the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Long Beach | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,123 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,077 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $176,890 | $124,937 |
In Long Beach, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 55.00% 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 Long Beach
Advanced Certifications in California
CA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $114,123 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Long Beach employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Long Beach command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,077–$176,890 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
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
AdvancedLong Beach ranks #42 of 158 California cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $176,890).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Long Beach ($176,890) is 5.91% above the California average P90 ($167,012).
2019 BLS Actual
$127,085
2025 BLS Actual
$168,003
2026 Current Est.
$176,890
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,191 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,667 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,733 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,003 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,248 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Long Beach saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $127,085 in 2019 to $168,003 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 $186,248 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Compensation for senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Long Beach varies markedly depending on their specialization and the type of employer. Those skilled in CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiology can command premium pay, reflecting the advanced competencies required in these areas. When considering employer types, hospital imaging departments generally offer competitive salaries, while outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices provide unique compensation structures, sometimes incorporating bonuses for modality cross-training. Advancing into roles such as lead technologist or imaging department manager can further enhance earning potential. Additionally, credentials from a JRCERT-accredited institution and ARRT registrations are critical in elevating salary prospects. Non-salary benefits like shift differentials, call coverage incentives, and stipends for leadership roles add to the overall compensation framework for experienced professionals in this field.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Long Beach in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Long Beach?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Long Beach?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Long Beach?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Long Beach?
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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 $168,003 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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