Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Claremore, OK: $51,931 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Claremore, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,931 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Claremore's local price level (BEA RPP 88.911% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,415 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,448) within a few years of clinical practice.

$51,931
Starting Salary
$24.96/hr
Starting Hourly
$51,931
Entry Level
$71,448
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Claremore, OK — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Claremore, OK radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, a new graduate looking to kickstart their career as a radiologic technologist or technician in Claremore can expect a starting salary around $51,931. This figure is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $71,448. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals have the potential to earn up to $58,263 as they gain experience and develop their skills. This upward trajectory indicates that Claremore remains a viable market for fresh graduates pursuing a career in this field, even if the starting wage aligns with national averages at about 15.29% lower than the projected national median salary of $84,348.

About the Claremore Market

Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Claremore

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$51,931/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$58,263/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$71,448/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$85,352/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Claremore

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Claremore. The median salary is $71,448, compared to the national median of $84,348.$46.7K$61.0K$75.2K$89.4K$103.6K$51.9K10th Pctl$58.3K25th Pctl$71.4KMedian$85.4K75th Pctl$98.7K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Claremore, OK typically start between $51,931 and $58,263 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,737 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,44815.29% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Claremore metro area.

Return on Investment

$18,000
Avg OK Program Cost
$51,931
Starting Salary
34.66%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Oklahoma of $18,000 represents just 34.66% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,931/year) in Claremore. 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 Claremore

  • 1Research the Claremore market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,931 to $58,263, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Claremore, 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 Claremore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Claremore'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 Claremore is $46,737 ( 90.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,931, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,668.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$36,547

2025 BLS Actual

$49,322

2026 Current Est.

$51,931

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Claremore (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Claremore. Baseline $36,547 in 2025, projected to $54,678 by 2027.$32.9K$39.3K$45.6K$52.0K$58.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.5K$37.2K$41.3K$42.1K$44.1K$36.8K$49.3K$51.9K$54.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$36,547Actual
2020$37,163Actual
2021$41,278Actual
2022$42,080Actual
2023$44,071Actual
2024$36,800Actual
2025$49,322Actual
2026(current)$51,931Estimated
2027$54,678Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Claremore, OK grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,547 in 2019 to $49,322 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,678. New graduates entering the Claremore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Claremore metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Claremore

Claremore's healthcare landscape features potential employers such as local hospital systems that typically hire newly minted rad tech grads, often providing opportunities for paid cross-training in critical modalities like CT within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging facilities frequently seek techs who are already cross-trained, while specialized practices may prefer candidates with experience in extremity imaging. To enhance earning potential from the outset in Oklahoma, candidates should aim to acquire a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and pursue national ARRT registration in radiography (R), while also considering state licensure requirements. For those entering the workforce, gaining certifications in additional modalities, such as CT or MRI, will significantly improve future salary prospects. Graduates should anticipate modest growth during their initial 1-3 years, as roles focused purely on radiography may stagnate at lower pay points amidst ongoing sector consolidation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Claremore in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Claremore start at approximately $51,931/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $24.97/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Claremore?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Claremore progress from the entry-level salary of $51,931 to the area median of $71,448 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $98,668 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Claremore?

With a starting salary of $51,931/year in Claremore and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Claremore?

New radiologic technology graduates in Claremore typically start near the 10th percentile at $51,931/year, or approximately $24.97/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Oklahoma?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Oklahoma, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Oklahoma, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oklahoma

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 Claremore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Claremore is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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