Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in New Bedford, MA: $73,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,408 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,657 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,403) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New Bedford presents a promising opportunity for recent graduates entering the field of radiologic technology, with an entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary set at approximately $73,408 in 2026. While this starting pay is below the city’s median annual salary of $101,403, it provides a solid foundation for upward mobility as new professionals gain experience. Over the first few years, it's feasible to expect progression through different salary tiers, as entry-level positions often rise through the P25 threshold of $83,459, and eventually towards the median. With the projected job growth of 5.29% annually, New Bedford is currently a favorable market for early-career technologists looking to solidify their roles within healthcare.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in New Bedford, MA typically start between $73,408 and $83,459 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,468 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,403 — 20.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Massachusetts of $40,000 represents just 54.49% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($73,408/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $73,408 to $83,459, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $75,468 ( 102.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,408, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,876.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,661
2025 BLS Actual
$69,720
2026 Current Est.
$73,408
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,661 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,533 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,349 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,291 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,661 in 2019 to $69,720 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,291. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Employers in New Bedford predominantly reside within the healthcare sector, with hospitals offering the bulk of entry-level positions. They often provide paid cross-training opportunities in CT or MRI during the first couple of years, allowing new grads to enhance their skill sets and earn higher wages more quickly. Outpatient imaging centers also actively seek applicants, particularly those who have pursued further certifications like ARRT registration in multiple modalities. Earning an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program is critical to boost starting salary in Massachusetts. With the market gearing more towards cross-trained professionals, a career strategy focusing on obtaining certifications in CT, MRI, and mammography is essential for maximizing earnings potential. Over the first few years, salaries typically rise to reflect these additional qualifications and experience gained in the field.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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