Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Salem, MA: $143,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Salem, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $143,787/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $132,523 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Massachusetts, the potential for top-tier compensation in the radiologic technologist and technician field is substantial. Those with over seven years of experience can command salaries approaching $143,787 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a notable advantage over the national top earners. The gap between the projected median annual salary of $96,981 and the peak figures demonstrates a clear experience premium that rewards proficiency and expertise. To reach these elevated salary levels, professionals often pursue advanced credentials, entering specializations such as CT, MRI, or interventional radiology, which are highly regarded in the local job market.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Salem earn between $115,360 and $143,787 per year (2026 est.). This $70,729 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salem median of $96,981 sits 14.98% above the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $96,981 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,360 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $143,787 | $124,937 |
In Salem, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 48.26% 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 Salem
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $96,981 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $115,360–$143,787 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salem 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 Salem 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 Massachusetts 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 Salem
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
AdvancedSalem ranks #27 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $143,787).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Salem ($143,787) is 4.88% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($137,101).
2019 BLS Actual
$103,303
2025 BLS Actual
$136,563
2026 Current Est.
$143,787
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,717 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,563 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,394 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Salem saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $103,303 in 2019 to $136,563 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 $151,394 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
Positioning oneself for the highest earnings in Salem requires not just experience but also strategic career moves and skill enhancements. Specializing in high-demand modalities like CT (ARRT-CT) or MRI (ARRT-MR) significantly boosts earning potential, as these areas are often characterized by hospitals and outpatient imaging centers that offer competitive senior-level salaries. Employment settings can influence compensation greatly, with hospital imaging departments generally providing higher pay compared to urgent care chains or mobile X-ray companies. Advancement to roles such as lead radiologic technologist or modality supervisor can further enhance salary through leadership stipends and shift differentials. Additionally, obtaining further ARRT modality certifications and cross-training into multiple imaging disciplines can position seasoned professionals for both financial and career growth in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Salem in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Salem?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Salem?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Salem?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Salem?
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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 $136,563 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Salem 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 Salem 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