Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Morristown, TN: $48,889 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Morristown, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,889 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Morristown's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,256 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,258) 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 Morristown, TN, can anticipate starting salaries around $48,889, which is notably lower than the city median annual pay of $68,258. This represents a significant gap that entry-level professionals should consider as they plan their career pathways. However, as they gain experience, their compensation is likely to rise, reaching approximately $55,408 at the 25th percentile and potentially hitting the median within the first three to five years. Even though Morristown is not among the highest-paying markets, with its attractive cost of living index at 91.8, it still provides a viable environment for early-career radiologic technologists and technicians to establish themselves and progress in their field.
About the Morristown Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Morristown
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 Morristown
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Morristown, TN typically start between $48,889 and $55,408 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,922 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,258 — 19.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Tennessee of $20,000 represents just 40.91% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($48,889/year) in Morristown. 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 Morristown
- 1Research the Morristown market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $48,889 to $55,408, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Morristown, 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 Morristown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Morristown'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 Morristown is $46,922 ( 95.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,889, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,811.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,290
2025 BLS Actual
$46,433
2026 Current Est.
$48,889
2019–2027 Growth
+59.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Morristown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,433 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,889 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,476 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Morristown, TN grew 43.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,290 in 2019 to $46,433 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,476. New graduates entering the Morristown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Morristown 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 Morristown
Employers in Morristown typically offer opportunities for new graduates to gain essential experience; most newly minted radiologic technologists find employment in local hospital systems, often with options for paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT). Outpatient imaging centers are also recruiting entry-level professionals, particularly those with experience or certification in various modalities. Educational credentials are critical for advancing income; obtaining an associate's or bachelor’s degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT registration and any required state licenses, can boost a graduate's starting pay substantially. Moreover, the market emphasizes continuous learning and cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography as standard pathways to higher earnings—skills that enhance employability and income potential while navigating the evolving landscape of the radiologic technology field in Morristown, TN.
More salary data for Morristown, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Morristown in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Morristown?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Morristown?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Morristown?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Tennessee?
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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 Morristown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Morristown 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