Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Tupelo, MS: $49,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Tupelo, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,203 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tupelo's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,413 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,585) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Tupelo, MS, reflects a promising yet realistic landscape. In 2026, entry-level positions can expect to begin with an annual salary around $49,203, which is significantly lower than the city’s median of $71,585. However, it's crucial to understand that entry-level roles serve as stepping stones; over the first few years, new technologists have the potential to progress to the P25 level where salaries reach $60,870. Given the 5.29% annual growth rate projected for this profession, Tupelo presents a favorable job market for recent graduates, offering opportunities to increase their earnings through experience and skill enhancement.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tupelo
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 Tupelo
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Tupelo, MS typically start between $49,203 and $60,870 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,465 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,585 — 15.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 32.52% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($49,203/year) in Tupelo. 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 Tupelo
- 1Research the Tupelo market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $49,203 to $60,870, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Tupelo, 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 Tupelo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tupelo'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 Tupelo is $51,465 ( 104.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,203, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,668.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,627
2025 BLS Actual
$46,731
2026 Current Est.
$49,203
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,627 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,211 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,109 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,756 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,806 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Tupelo, MS grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,627 in 2019 to $46,731 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,806. New graduates entering the Tupelo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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 Tupelo
For those looking to kickstart their careers in radiologic technology, hospitals in Tupelo are among the primary employers offering entry-level positions, often providing paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT and MRI during the first year or two of employment. Outpatient imaging centers are also recruiting new graduates, frequently seeking techs who are open to cross-training. To boost starting pay, obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and acquiring ARRT registration is highly recommended, along with state licensing where applicable. New graduates should focus on gaining experience and pursuing additional ARRT modalities, as cross-training into specialized areas such as mammography can lead to higher pay. Realistically, within the first three years of service, salaries can demonstrate noticeable growth, generating competitive earnings that align with industry standards and adapting to changes in the health care environment in Tupelo.
More salary data for Tupelo, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Tupelo in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Tupelo?
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How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Mississippi?
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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 Tupelo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tupelo 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