Radiography Tech Salary

Matthews vs Raleigh: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Matthews, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Matthews, NC
$71,587
$34.42/hr
Raleigh, NC
$71,818
$34.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMatthews, NCRaleigh, NC
Median Salary$71,587$71,818
Hourly Rate$34.42$34.52
Entry Level (P10)$50,839$57,088
25th Percentile$57,941$63,890
75th Percentile$85,736$85,116
Top Earner (P90)$100,415$101,731
Total Employed81,080
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Matthews ($71,587) and Raleigh ($71,818) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.MatthewsRaleighMedian Salary$71,587$71,818Entry Level (P10)$50,839$57,088Top Earner (P90)$100,415$101,731US Median $84,348

Verdict

Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Matthews.

The salary gap between Matthews and Raleigh is $231 (0.32%). Raleigh's median is -14.86% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Matthews spans $49,576,Raleigh spans $44,643. Matthews has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Matthews
P10 (Entry)$50,839
P25$57,941
Median$71,587
P75$85,736
P90 (Top)$100,415
Raleigh
P10 (Entry)$57,088
P25$63,890
Median$71,818
P75$85,116
P90 (Top)$101,731

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Matthews ($76,482 effective) pays 4.53% more than Raleigh ($73,166 effective).

Matthews
Nominal: $71,587
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $76,482
Raleigh
Nominal: $71,818
CoL Index: 98.157
Adjusted: $73,166

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Matthews if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,482)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Raleigh if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,818/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,731)
  • Larger job market (1,080 employed)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Matthews grew 11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Raleigh over the same period.

Matthews, NC

+11.3%

$61,066 (2024) → $67,990 (2025)

Raleigh, NC

+18.1%

$57,770 (2019) → $68,210 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Matthews or Raleigh?

Raleigh has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $71,818/year, compared to Matthews at $71,587/year — a difference of $231 (0.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Matthews and Raleigh?

Matthews radiologic technologist and technicians earn $34.42/hr while Raleigh hygienists earn $34.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Matthews to Raleigh as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Matthews and Raleigh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Matthews = $76,482, Raleigh = $73,166), job availability (8 vs 1,080 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Matthews vs Raleigh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $50,839 in Matthews and $57,088 in Raleigh. The Raleigh 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