Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Tacoma, WA: $168,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Tacoma, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $168,822/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Tacoma's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $157,190 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced radiologic technologists and technicians in Tacoma, Washington, the top-tier earning potential is significant, with a salary range reaching up to $168,822 in 2026. Those at the 75th percentile can expect to earn around $139,414, which reflects the extensive experience and advanced skill set these professionals bring to their roles. Compared to the national standard, which has a median annual salary of $84,348, Tacoma's market compensates seasoned specialists quite well. This gap between the median salary of $108,917 and the top earners underscores the benefits of pursuing additional certifications and advanced roles within the profession, such as modality supervisor or department manager. Commitment to continuous education and specialization is key to reaching these higher compensation levels.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Tacoma earn between $139,414 and $168,822 per year (2026 est.). This $94,683 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tacoma median of $108,917 sits 29.13% above the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Tacoma | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $108,917 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,414 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $168,822 | $124,937 |
In Tacoma, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 55.00% 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 Tacoma
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $108,917 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tacoma employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Tacoma command premium compensation, often reaching the $139,414–$168,822 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 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 Tacoma
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
AdvancedTacoma ranks #3 of 50 Washington cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $168,822).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Tacoma ($168,822) is 22.17% above the Washington average P90 ($138,189).
2019 BLS Actual
$121,289
2025 BLS Actual
$160,340
2026 Current Est.
$168,822
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,207 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $168,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,753 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Tacoma saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $121,289 in 2019 to $160,340 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 $177,753 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Salaries for senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Tacoma vary significantly based on specialization and workplace setting. Technologists certified in advanced modalities like CT (ARRT-CT), MRI (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M) can command higher pay, as demand for these imaging techniques continues to grow. Compensation also differs considerably across various employer types; for instance, hospital imaging departments often offer more competitive wages compared to outpatient imaging centers or urgent care chains. Additionally, advancement opportunities in this field can lead to roles such as lead technologist, imaging department manager, or even positions in organizational leadership with associations like ASRT. Earning additional credentials, including ARRT registrations in specialized fields, enhances the potential for salary increases in the Tacoma area, reflecting a commitment to professional growth and cross-training, which are becoming the norm. Non-salary benefits also play a part in overall compensation, with factors like shift differentials, call coverage, and stipends for supervisory roles helping to enhance earnings for senior professionals.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Tacoma in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Tacoma?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Tacoma?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Tacoma?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Tacoma?
Related Pages
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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 $160,340 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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