Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Topeka, KS: $106,954 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Topeka, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $106,954/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Topeka's price premium (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $120,417 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the opportunity for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians to achieve substantial salaries is significant. With top earners—those in the 90th percentile—in 2026 projected to make $106,954, there is a clear disparity between the median salary of $86,380 and the higher echelons of pay. This experience premium indicates that sustained commitment to the profession, coupled with advanced certifications and modal expertise, can dramatically impact earnings. Professionals seeking to reach these lofty heights will often find that specialization in areas such as CT or MRI, along with leadership roles, is essential for tapping into the upper pay scale not just regionally but also compared to national standards.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Topeka earn between $106,954 and $106,954 per year (2026 est.). This $44,127 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Topeka median of $86,380 sits 2.41% above the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Topeka | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $86,380 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,954 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $106,954 | $124,937 |
In Topeka, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 23.82% 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 Topeka
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $86,380 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Topeka employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Topeka command premium compensation, often reaching the $106,954–$106,954 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Topeka 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 Topeka 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 Kansas 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 Topeka
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
AdvancedTopeka ranks #9 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $106,954).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Topeka ($106,954) is 5.39% above the Kansas average P90 ($101,488).
2019 BLS Actual
$78,110
2025 BLS Actual
$101,580
2026 Current Est.
$106,954
2019–2027 Growth
+44.2%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,611 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Topeka saw their compensation grow 30.0% from $78,110 in 2019 to $101,580 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 $112,611 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
Senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Topeka can increase their earning potential through various avenues. Specialized skill sets, particularly in modalities like CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M), command premium compensation. It's also noteworthy that compensation can vary significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and dental specialty practices often provide distinct pay structures for their senior staff. Advancement pathways, such as becoming a lead tech, modality supervisor, or department manager, can further enhance salary prospects, particularly for those with advanced credentials. Obtaining additional ARRT certifications or pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program is critical for upward mobility. Non-salary benefits also significantly enrich the compensation package at senior levels, especially as factor like cross-training across multiple modalities and leadership responsibilities introduce additional financial incentives.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Topeka in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Topeka?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Topeka?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Topeka?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Topeka?
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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 $101,580 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Topeka 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