Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Johnstown, PA: $53,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Johnstown, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,190 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Johnstown's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,610 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,900) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, can anticipate a starting salary around $53,190. This figure highlights a notable gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $73,900, demonstrating that entry-level positions are often at the lower end of the pay scale as professionals begin their careers. However, with experience and skill development, new technologists have the potential for growth; salaries typically rise to around $60,058 in the initial years, gradually moving closer to the city median. For those considering their first roles in this market, Johnstown currently presents a reasonable opportunity for entry-level positions, especially for those willing to invest time in building their experience and pursuing cross-training in specialized modalities.
About the Johnstown Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Johnstown
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 Johnstown
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Johnstown, PA typically start between $53,190 and $60,058 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,732 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,900 — 12.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Pennsylvania of $32,000 represents just 60.16% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($53,190/year) in Johnstown. 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 Johnstown
- 1Research the Johnstown market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $53,190 to $60,058, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Johnstown, 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 Johnstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Johnstown'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 Johnstown is $48,732 ( 91.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,190, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,922.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,020
2025 BLS Actual
$50,518
2026 Current Est.
$53,190
2019–2027 Growth
+59.9%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Johnstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,004 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Johnstown, PA grew 44.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,020 in 2019 to $50,518 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,004. New graduates entering the Johnstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnstown 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 Johnstown
Employers in Johnstown that are especially interested in hiring recent graduates include major hospital systems, which frequently offer opportunities for paid cross-training in CT within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains are also valuable recruiters, though they often seek radiologic technologists who have completed additional training in other modalities. Credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and ARRT registration enhance job prospects and starting pay. Many new technologists will benefit from gaining additional certifications, as functions such as CT, MRI, and mammography become increasingly standard paths to higher salaries. Within the first three years, individuals who successfully secure cross-training opportunities may see their compensation levels considerably improve, making the effort worthwhile in a city where pure radiography roles can limit earning potential early on.
More salary data for Johnstown, PA:
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 Johnstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johnstown 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