Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Burlington, NC: $51,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Burlington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,192 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,929 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,758) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting out as a radiologic technologist or technician in Burlington, NC, can present intriguing prospects for new graduates. For those entering the field in 2026, the entry level radiologic technologist and technician salary Burlington is projected to be around $51,192. While this is significantly lower than the city median of $83,758, it does offer a clear growth trajectory as new professionals gain experience. Over the first few years, many can expect to move toward the $68,470 mark (P25), especially as they hone their skills and possibly pursue cross-training opportunities in CT or MRI, paving the way for better compensation. With a strong projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, Burlington appears to be a favorable market for fresh graduates starting their careers in this essential healthcare sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Burlington, NC typically start between $51,192 and $68,470 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,012 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,758 — 0.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Carolina of $18,000 represents just 35.16% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,192/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,192 to $68,470, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $48,012 ( 93.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,192, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,204.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,026
2025 BLS Actual
$48,620
2026 Current Est.
$51,192
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,026 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,634 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,900 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, NC grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,026 in 2019 to $48,620 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,900. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Employers in Burlington primarily hiring new grads include hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training in various modalities during the critical first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers also seek out newly minted radiologic technologists, while orthopedic practices generally prefer candidates with a bit more experience in extremity imaging. To boost starting pay in North Carolina, new technologists should aim to acquire credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and earn ARRT national registration in radiography (R), along with any state requirements. For those in their first three years, focusing on cross-training into higher-demand areas like CT, MRI, or mammography is crucial, as the market has shifted, with pure radiography roles offering less growth. Realistically, new graduates can expect their salaries to increase gradually as they expand their skill sets and certifications, leading to a more competitive position within the local healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Burlington?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Burlington?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in North Carolina?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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