Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Rialto, CA: $174,836 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Rialto, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $174,836/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Rialto's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $154,585 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Rialto, California, presents an appealing landscape for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians, with 2026 projections indicating that top earners can access salaries reaching up to $174,836. This figure places Rialto’s highest pay significantly above the national averages, offering an enticing opportunity for those wanting to maximize their earning potential. Notably, the median annual salary for this profession stands at $117,312, allowing a clear distinction between seasoned professionals and those just starting their careers. To ascend to these elevated salary levels, technologists typically engage in advanced training and seek additional certifications, particularly in high-demand modalities, setting themselves apart in a competitive job market.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rialto
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Rialto earn between $145,143 and $174,836 per year (2026 est.). This $97,110 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rialto median of $117,312 sits 39.08% above the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Rialto | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $117,312 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,143 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $174,836 | $124,937 |
In Rialto, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 49.04% 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 Rialto
Advanced Certifications in California
CA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $117,312 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rialto employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Rialto command premium compensation, often reaching the $145,143–$174,836 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rialto 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 Rialto 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 Rialto
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
AdvancedRialto ranks #55 of 158 California cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $174,836).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Rialto ($174,836) is 4.68% above the California average P90 ($167,012).
2019 BLS Actual
$125,610
2025 BLS Actual
$166,052
2026 Current Est.
$174,836
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,668 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,774 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,694 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,052 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,836 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,085 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Rialto saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $125,610 in 2019 to $166,052 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 $184,085 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rialto 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 Rialto
Compensation in Rialto differs considerably based on specialization and employment setting for senior radiologic technologists and technicians. Areas like CT, MRI, mammography, interventional radiology, and cardiovascular intervention can command considerably higher pay, often granting experienced professionals an advantage in salary negotiations. When comparing employer types, hospital imaging departments usually offer the most lucrative packages, while outpatient centers and mobile X-ray companies may provide different benefits and pay scales. Career advancement for seasoned professionals can materialize through roles such as lead technologist or imaging department manager, especially with superior credentials from ASRT and ARRT in specialized areas. Additional factors influencing compensation include cross-training benefits, shift differentials, and stipends for leadership roles, reinforcing the importance of advanced skills and certifications in pursuing a top radiologic technologist and technician salary in Rialto.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Rialto in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Rialto?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Rialto?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Rialto?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Rialto?
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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 $166,052 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Rialto 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 Rialto 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