Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Moline, IL: $48,989 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,989 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,452 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,201) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, Illinois, recent graduates stepping into the profession of radiologic technologist and technician can expect starting salaries around $48,989 in 2026. This amount is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $69,201, highlighting a notable gap that aspiring professionals should be aware of as they begin their careers. However, as new graduates gain experience over the first few years, they can realistically anticipate increases in pay. The projection indicates a growth range from the entry-level figure of $48,989 to approximately $55,895 at the 25th percentile, eventually reaching the median. Given Moline's current job market dynamics, there are viable pathways available for new graduates, indicating that now may be a strategic time to enter the field.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Moline, IL typically start between $48,989 and $55,895 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,897 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,201 — 17.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Illinois of $26,000 represents just 53.07% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($48,989/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $48,989 to $55,895, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline'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 Moline is $47,897 ( 97.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,989, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,886.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,476
2025 BLS Actual
$46,528
2026 Current Est.
$48,989
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,696 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,574 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,989 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,581 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,476 in 2019 to $46,528 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,581. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
Several Moline-area employers are eager to recruit new radiologic technologist and technician graduates, particularly within hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training in CT or MRI during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers also seek newly minted professionals who are willing to expand their skill set, while orthopedic practices may prefer candidates with prior experience in extremity imaging. Moreover, obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and securing ARRT registration in radiography can significantly elevate starting pay. New graduates should consider pursuing additional certifications in specialized modalities, as cross-training into areas like CT or mammography is becoming standard for career advancement. Given the trends in restructuring within the outpatient imaging sector, early-career professionals in Moline should aim for continued education and skill enhancement to ensure competitive growth in their salaries throughout the initial years of their careers.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Moline?
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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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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