Radiography Tech Salary

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 101.72% 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.

$59,233
Starting Salary
$28.48/hr
Starting Hourly
$59,233
Entry Level
$85,875
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Wilmington, DE — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Wilmington, DE radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$59,233/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$68,249/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$85,875/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$104,351/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Wilmington. The median salary is $85,875, compared to the national median of $84,348.$53.3K$72.4K$91.6K$110.7K$129.8K$59.2K10th Pctl$68.2K25th Pctl$85.9KMedian$104.4K75th Pctl$123.6K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

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 $85,8751.81% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Wilmington metro area.

Return on Investment

$28,000
Avg DE Program Cost
$59,233
Starting Salary
47.27%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wilmington. Baseline $41,685 in 2025, projected to $62,366 by 2027.$37.5K$44.8K$52.0K$59.3K$66.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.7K$42.4K$47.1K$48.0K$50.3K$49.0K$56.3K$59.2K$62.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$41,685Actual
2020$42,389Actual
2021$47,082Actual
2022$47,996Actual
2023$50,268Actual
2024$49,045Actual
2025$56,257Actual
2026(current)$59,233Estimated
2027$62,366Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wilmington in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Wilmington start at approximately $59,233/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $28.48/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Wilmington?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Wilmington progress from the entry-level salary of $59,233 to the area median of $85,875 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $123,619 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Wilmington?

With a starting salary of $59,233/year in Wilmington and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Wilmington?

New radiologic technology graduates in Wilmington typically start near the 10th percentile at $59,233/year, or approximately $28.48/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Delaware?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Delaware, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Delaware, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Delaware

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

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).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: