Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Jackson, TN: $82,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Jackson, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,358/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 85.5, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $96,300 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, TN, the earning potential for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians shows a compelling trajectory. The estimated salary for top earners in this field reaches up to $82,358 in 2026, while the median for seasoned professionals sits at $68,038. This considerable difference highlights the experience premium that is vital for those aiming for leadership roles within imaging departments or specialized practice settings. Achieving this level of income generally requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and a commitment to mastering multiple modalities, a move that is increasingly common among professionals seeking to enhance their employability and earnings in today’s competitive job market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $68,038 and $82,358 per year (2026 est.). This $27,470 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $68,038 sits 19.34% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,038 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,038 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,358 | $124,937 |
In Jackson, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 21.05% 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 Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $68,038 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,038–$82,358 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Tennessee 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 Jackson
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
AdvancedJackson ranks #30 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $82,358).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Jackson ($82,358) is 14.42% below the Tennessee average P90 ($96,232).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,620
2025 BLS Actual
$78,220
2026 Current Est.
$82,358
2019–2027 Growth
+45.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,715 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 31.2% from $59,620 in 2019 to $78,220 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 $86,715 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Compensation for senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Jackson varies significantly depending on specialization and type of employer. Those with credentials in advanced modalities such as CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and interventional radiology (ARRT-VI) can command higher salaries, reflecting the demand for specialized skills. Hospitals often pay more than outpatient centers or urgent care facilities, while travel radiologic technologists may see lucrative assignments due to flexibility and the need for coverage in underserved areas. Furthermore, advancing into managerial positions, such as imaging department manager or lead technologist, can provide a clear pathway to enhanced salary. Achieving credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration, positions individuals favorably in this evolving industry landscape. Non-salary factors, including modality cross-training and benefits such as shift differentials, contribute significantly to the overall compensation experience, making it essential for senior professionals to consider their career development holistically in the Jackson market.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Jackson in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Jackson?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Jackson?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Jackson?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Jackson?
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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 $78,220 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Jackson 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