Radiography Tech Salary

Allentown vs Reading: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Allentown, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allentown, PA
$80,578
$38.74/hr
Reading, PA
$76,872
$36.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllentown, PAReading, PA
Median Salary$80,578$76,872
Hourly Rate$38.74$36.96
Entry Level (P10)$63,722$53,961
25th Percentile$68,660$63,627
75th Percentile$91,055$91,202
Top Earner (P90)$105,490$112,313
Total Employed690230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allentown ($80,578) and Reading ($76,872) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.AllentownReadingMedian Salary$80,578$76,872Entry Level (P10)$63,722$53,961Top Earner (P90)$105,490$112,313US Median $84,348

Verdict

Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.

The salary gap between Allentown and Reading is $3,706 (4.82%). Allentown's median is -4.47% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $41,768,Reading spans $58,352. Reading has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Allentown
P10 (Entry)$63,722
P25$68,660
Median$80,578
P75$91,055
P90 (Top)$105,490
Reading
P10 (Entry)$53,961
P25$63,627
Median$76,872
P75$91,202
P90 (Top)$112,313

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($80,604 effective) pays 1.77% more than Reading ($79,200 effective).

Allentown
Nominal: $80,578
CoL Index: 99.968
Adjusted: $80,604
Reading
Nominal: $76,872
CoL Index: 97.06
Adjusted: $79,200

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allentown if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,578/year)
  • Larger job market (690 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,604)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Reading if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($112,313)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Allentown grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Reading over the same period.

Allentown, PA

+42.6%

$53,650 (2019) → $76,530 (2025)

Reading, PA

+28.8%

$56,700 (2019) → $73,010 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Allentown or Reading?

Allentown has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $80,578/year, compared to Reading at $76,872/year — a difference of $3,706 (4.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Reading?

Allentown radiologic technologist and technicians earn $38.74/hr while Reading hygienists earn $36.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allentown to Reading as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allentown and Reading. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allentown = $80,604, Reading = $79,200), job availability (690 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Allentown vs Reading?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $63,722 in Allentown and $53,961 in Reading. The Allentown area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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