Radiography Tech Salary

Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Seattle, WA: $141,320 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Seattle, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $141,320/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Seattle's price premium (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $127,163 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$141,320
Top 10% Earn
$67.94/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$136,635
75th Percentile
$141,320
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Senior Salary in Seattle, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Seattle, WA radiologic technologist and technician senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Radiologic technologists and technicians with advanced experience in Seattle can anticipate impressive compensation packages, particularly for top-tier professionals. In 2026, the potential for high earnings is evident with the projected P90 salary reaching $141,320 and the P75 climbing to $136,635. This starkly contrasts the city’s median annual salary of $110,765, showcasing the significant financial incentive for those who develop specialized skills and excel in their roles. Achieving these upper salary levels often requires a mix of advanced credentials, specialized training, and years of hands-on experience in complex modalities, differentiating seasoned professionals from their less experienced counterparts. As the demand for skilled radiology services continues to rise, Seattle’s senior radiologic technologists and technicians are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Seattle

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Seattle. The median salary is $110,765, compared to the national median of $84,348.$75.9K$94.0K$112.1K$130.3K$148.4K$84.3K10th Pctl$98.4K25th Pctl$110.8KMedian$136.6K75th Pctl$141.3K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Seattle earn between $136,635 and $141,320 per year (2026 est.). This $56,972 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Seattle median of $110,765 sits 31.32% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Seattle metro area.

Top RT Salary Comparison

LevelSeattleNational
Median (P50)$110,765$84,348
75th Percentile$136,635$103,974
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$141,320$124,937

In Seattle, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 27.59% 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 Seattle

1

Advanced Certifications in Washington

WA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $110,765 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Seattle employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Seattle command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,635–$141,320 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Seattle metro area, which is a large RT employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured radiologic technologists and technicians in Seattle with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Washington 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 Seattle

Clinical Radiologic Technologist and Technician

0-5 years
$84,348 – $110,765

Senior/Lead Radiologic Technologist and Technician

5-10 years
$110,765 – $136,635

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Department Manager

10+ years
$136,635+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Seattle ranks #27 of 50 Washington cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $141,320).

Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Seattle ($141,320) is 2.27% above the Washington average P90 ($138,189).

2019 BLS Actual

$101,850

2025 BLS Actual

$134,220

2026 Current Est.

$141,320

2019–2027 Growth

+46.1%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Seattle (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Seattle. Baseline $101,850 in 2025, projected to $148,796 by 2027.$92.5K$108.9K$125.3K$141.8K$158.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$101.8K$107.5K$101.9K$106.1K$124.4K$129.4K$134.2K$141.3K$148.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$101,850Actual
2020$107,510Actual
2021$101,910Actual
2022$106,120Actual
2023$124,430Actual
2024$129,430Actual
2025$134,220Actual
2026(current)$141,320Estimated
2027$148,796Projected

Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Seattle saw their compensation grow 31.8% from $101,850 in 2019 to $134,220 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 $148,796 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Seattle

Compensation varies widely among experienced radiologic technologists and technicians, depending largely on modality specialization and employer type. Specializations such as CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M) command premiums due to their complexity and the technical expertise required. Senior professionals employed in hospitals and specialty practices tend to earn more than those in outpatient imaging centers or mobile X-ray companies due to enhanced responsibilities and the intensity of patient care situations. Moreover, avenues for salary growth are abundant; positions like lead technologist, modality supervisor, and imaging department manager offer increased prestige and the potential for elevated pay. Holding a degree from a JRCERT-accredited institution, along with ARRT national registration in multiple modalities, bolsters earning potential in Seattle, where continuous professional development and cross-training in various imaging techniques significantly impact financial outcomes. Non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials, call coverage, and stipends for supervisory roles, further contribute to the overall earning potential for senior radiologic technologists and technicians in WA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Seattle in 2026?

Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians in Seattle (90th percentile) make $141,320/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is $30,555 more than the area median of $110,765 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior radiologic technologists and technicians typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Seattle?

Higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Seattle is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Seattle?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for radiologic technologists and technicians in Seattle include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $110,765, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Seattle?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Seattle is $141,320, well above $100K. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Seattle?

In Seattle, the gap between entry level ($84,348) and top earners ($141,320) is $56,972, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 $134,220 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Seattle 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

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