Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Watertown, MA: $70,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Watertown, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,723 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Watertown's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,182 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,346) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting salaries for new graduates in the field of radiologic technology in Watertown, MA, are projected to be around $70,723 in 2026. While this figure is an entry-level benchmark, it's important to recognize that it represents a lower range compared to the city’s median annual salary of $99,346. As early-career technologists build skills and gain experience, they can expect to progress towards the P25 mark of $84,070 within a few years. This upward trajectory suggests that Watertown is a favorable job market for new grads looking to establish their careers, as significant salary growth is achievable within the first three to five years of practice.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Watertown
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 Watertown
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Watertown, MA typically start between $70,723 and $84,070 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,339 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,346 — 17.78% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Massachusetts of $40,000 represents just 56.56% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($70,723/year) in Watertown. 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 Watertown
- 1Research the Watertown market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $70,723 to $84,070, 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 Watertown, 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 Watertown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Watertown'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 Watertown is $68,339 ( 96.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,723, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,062.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,772
2025 BLS Actual
$67,170
2026 Current Est.
$70,723
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,703 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,465 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Watertown, MA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,772 in 2019 to $67,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,465. New graduates entering the Watertown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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 Watertown
In Watertown, numerous employers seek to hire recent graduates in radiologic technology, primarily hospitals that often offer paid cross-training opportunities in modalities such as CT early in one's career. Outpatient imaging centers may also pursue new entrants, while orthopedic practices typically prioritize candidates with more experience, especially in extremity work. Credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from JRCERT-accredited programs, ARRT national registration in radiography, and state licensure where needed can materially enhance starting pay for new grad radiologic technologists and technicians in MA. In the competitive job market, entering the field with cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography positions new technologists for higher salaries and greater job security. Realistically, those in pure radiography roles might see gradual salary increases; however, the pathway through diverse imaging modalities is increasingly a standard practice that leads to stronger earning potential over time.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Watertown in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Watertown?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Watertown?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Watertown 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