Radiography Tech Salary

Trenton vs Union City: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Trenton, NJ
$100,889
$48.51/hr
Union City, NJ
$95,832
$46.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTrenton, NJUnion City, NJ
Median Salary$100,889$95,832
Hourly Rate$48.51$46.07
Entry Level (P10)$78,030$70,566
25th Percentile$83,569$79,512
75th Percentile$105,564$119,653
Top Earner (P90)$119,336$143,780
Total Employed22017
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Trenton ($100,889) and Union City ($95,832) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.TrentonUnion CityMedian Salary$100,889$95,832Entry Level (P10)$78,030$70,566Top Earner (P90)$119,336$143,780US Median $84,348

Verdict

Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Union City.

The salary gap between Trenton and Union City is $5,057 (5.28%). Trenton's median is +19.61% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $41,306,Union City spans $73,214. Union City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Trenton
P10 (Entry)$78,030
P25$83,569
Median$100,889
P75$105,564
P90 (Top)$119,336
Union City
P10 (Entry)$70,566
P25$79,512
Median$95,832
P75$119,653
P90 (Top)$143,780

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($97,780 effective) pays 17.54% more than Union City ($83,188 effective).

Trenton
Nominal: $100,889
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $97,780
Union City
Nominal: $95,832
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $83,188

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Trenton if…

  • Higher median salary ($100,889/year)
  • Larger job market (220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,780)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Union City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($143,780)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Trenton grew 34.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.3% growth in Union City over the same period.

Trenton, NJ

+34.6%

$71,180 (2019) → $95,820 (2025)

Union City, NJ

+-2.3%

$93,164 (2024) → $91,017 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Trenton or Union City?

Trenton has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $100,889/year, compared to Union City at $95,832/year — a difference of $5,057 (5.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union City?

Trenton radiologic technologist and technicians earn $48.51/hr while Union City hygienists earn $46.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Trenton to Union City as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Trenton and Union City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Trenton = $97,780, Union City = $83,188), job availability (220 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Trenton vs Union City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $78,030 in Trenton and $70,566 in Union City. The Trenton area offers higher starting salaries.
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