Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Hampton, VA: $123,061 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Hampton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $123,061/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Hampton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $119,245 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, Virginia, senior radiologic technologists and technicians can expect to see their earning potential peak significantly, with top earners (P90) projected to achieve an annual salary of $123,061 by 2026. This impressive figure stands as a testament to the value placed on experienced professionals in this field, especially given that the median salary sits at $81,193, demonstrating a considerable disparity that defines the experience premium in this market. The pathway to attaining such high compensation often includes not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also advanced certifications and specialization in high-demand areas. Professionals aiming for top-tier pay should focus on acquiring multiple modality certifications to enhance their qualifications and marketability.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Hampton earn between $103,471 and $123,061 per year (2026 est.). This $65,363 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hampton median of $81,193 sits 3.74% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Hampton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,193 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,471 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $123,061 | $124,937 |
In Hampton, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 51.57% 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 Hampton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $81,193 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hampton employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Hampton command premium compensation, often reaching the $103,471–$123,061 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hampton 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 Hampton 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 Virginia 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 Hampton
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
AdvancedHampton ranks #5 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $123,061).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Hampton ($123,061) is 16.89% above the Virginia average P90 ($105,275).
2019 BLS Actual
$88,412
2025 BLS Actual
$116,878
2026 Current Est.
$123,061
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,412 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,455 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,748 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,878 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,061 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,571 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Hampton saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $88,412 in 2019 to $116,878 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 $129,571 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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 Hampton
To further analyze the factors influencing senior radiologic technologist and technician pay in VA, several specialties command premium wages. Technologists skilled in areas such as CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M) are particularly sought after and can expect salaries that reflect this demand. Compensation varies significantly based on employer type; for instance, hospital imaging departments tend to offer more robust salaries compared to outpatient centers or mobile X-ray companies. Leadership roles, including lead technologist and imaging department manager, provide additional avenues for financial growth. Higher education from JRCERT-accredited programs and ARRT registration can also boost earnings. Moreover, non-salary compensation like shift differentials, call coverage incentives, and bonuses for cross-training in modalities can substantially enhance an experienced radiologic technologist’s total remuneration in Hampton.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Hampton in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Hampton?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Hampton?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Hampton?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Hampton?
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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 $116,878 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Hampton 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 Hampton 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