Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Burlington, IA: $92,371 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,371/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $102,180 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, senior radiologic technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $66,067 in 2026. However, those at the top of the pay scale, earning an estimated $92,371, benefit from a significant experience premium that reflects their advanced skills and responsibilities. The gap between the median and top-tier salaries highlights the potential benefits of acquiring additional certifications or advancing into specialized areas. Top earners often possess substantial experience, along with key credentials, allowing them to maximize their earning potential while navigating the complexities of the imaging field in Burlington.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $79,478 and $92,371 per year (2026 est.). This $43,684 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $66,067 sits 21.67% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,067 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,478 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,371 | $124,937 |
In Burlington, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 39.81% 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 Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $66,067 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,478–$92,371 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Iowa 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 Burlington
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
AdvancedBurlington ranks #11 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $92,371).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Burlington ($92,371) is 1.54% above the Iowa average P90 ($90,967).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,363
2025 BLS Actual
$87,730
2026 Current Est.
$92,371
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,363 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,507 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,149 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,411 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,371 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,257 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $66,363 in 2019 to $87,730 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 $97,257 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Pay disparities in Burlington for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians arise from varying specializations and employer types. Professionals specializing in advanced modalities such as CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M) tend to command higher salaries, as do those working in interventional radiology (ARRT-VI) and cardiovascular imaging (ARRT-CI). Compensation also differs based on the workplace, with hospital imaging departments typically offering different salary structures compared to outpatient imaging centers, urgent care facilities, and mobile X-ray companies. For advancement, pursuing roles as lead technologists or modality supervisors, along with obtaining advanced credentials such as ARRT national registration and state licensing, can lead to enhanced pay and career progression. Additional factors, such as modality cross-training and shift differentials, further influence senior radiologic technologist and technician pay in IA, enhancing overall compensation packages.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Burlington?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Burlington?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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 $87,730 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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