Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Wilmington, DE: $59,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Wilmington, DE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,233 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 101.7 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,243 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,875) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Wilmington, Delaware, the starting salary landscape is promising but requires realistic expectations. In 2026, entry-level positions typically offer salaries around $59,233, which is significantly lower than the city median of $85,875. However, with strategic career planning, entry-level professionals can expect to progress towards the P25 salary of $68,249 and even reach the median within the first few years. Wilmington's healthcare market is relatively robust for new graduates, providing opportunities for those willing to pursue additional training and certifications. Overall, the outlook for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians appears favorable, particularly as demand for skilled imaging professionals continues to grow.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Wilmington, DE typically start between $59,233 and $68,249 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,386 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,875 — 1.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Delaware of $28,000 represents just 47.27% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($59,233/year) in Wilmington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $59,233 to $68,249, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in DE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilmington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Wilmington is $64,386 ( 108.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,233, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,619.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,685
2025 BLS Actual
$56,257
2026 Current Est.
$59,233
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,996 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,045 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,257 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,366 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, DE grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,685 in 2019 to $56,257 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,366. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Wilmington
Employer dynamics play a critical role in shaping the entry-level experience for radiologic technologists in Wilmington. Major hospital systems are the primary employers, often providing paid cross-training in specialized areas such as CT and MRI during the first one to two years, which is essential for accelerating salary growth. Outpatient imaging chains also hire new graduates, but they typically seek candidates who are cross-trained, while orthopedic practices may prefer experienced techs familiar with extremity work. New grads should prioritize obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieving ARRT national registration in radiography, and pursuing any state licensing as required. Continuing education and additional ARRT modality certifications can substantially enhance starting pay. Realistically, with clear career strategies focusing on cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography, entry-level professionals can navigate their first three years effectively and expect to see their salaries increase significantly as they gain relevant experience in a competitive market like Wilmington, DE.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wilmington in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Wilmington?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Wilmington?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Wilmington?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Delaware?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Wilmington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilmington 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