Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Alexandria, LA: $52,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Alexandria, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,677 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,477 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,743) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Recent graduates in the field of radiologic technology can anticipate an entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Alexandria, LA, starting at approximately $52,677 in 2026. This starting point is notably below the city's overall median salary of $65,743, indicating a gap that reflects the challenges often faced by new entrants into the workforce. However, the career trajectory appears promising for new professionals, as many can expect upward movement within their first few years, with potential earnings reaching $60,721 at the 25th percentile, illustrating a pathway that could lead to a more comfortable median income as skills and experience accumulate. Overall, Alexandria offers a competitive environment for recent grads looking to build their careers, especially considering the city's lower cost of living index compared to national averages.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
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 Alexandria
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Alexandria, LA typically start between $52,677 and $60,721 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,239 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,743 — 22.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Louisiana of $18,000 represents just 34.17% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,677/year) in Alexandria. 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 Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,677 to $60,721, 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 LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria's below-average 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 Alexandria is $29,239 ( 55.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,677, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,916.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,900
2025 BLS Actual
$50,030
2026 Current Est.
$52,677
2019–2027 Growth
+58.9%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,463 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, LA grew 43.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,900 in 2019 to $50,030 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,463. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 Alexandria
In Alexandria, multiple healthcare employers prioritize hiring new graduates for radiologic technologist roles, particularly within hospital systems that often provide in-depth training opportunities, including paid cross-training programs in advanced modalities like CT and MRI. Outpatient imaging centers are also a significant employer, looking for technologists who can adapt to various roles, while orthopedic practices may prefer candidates with experience in extremity imaging. Completing a JRCERT-accredited program, obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and securing state licensure where required can substantially enhance starting new grad radiologic technologist and technician pay in LA. As aspiring professionals navigate their first few years, many will find that gaining additional ARRT modality certifications is essential in moving beyond entry-level pay, which tends to stagnate in pure radiography roles. Graduates can expect reasonable salary growth as they strategically develop their careers through cross-training and continuing education, aiming for a higher trajectory in a field that is evolving due to industry consolidation.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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