Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Garland, TX: $51,344 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Garland, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,344 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Garland's local price level (BEA RPP 96.04% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,483 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,666) within a few years of clinical practice.

$51,344
Starting Salary
$24.68/hr
Starting Hourly
$51,344
Entry Level
$79,666
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Garland, Texas can expect a starting salary around $51,344 in 2026. While this figure reflects the entry-level pay based on the 10th percentile, it's important to recognize the earning potential in the region, where the median annual salary stands at $79,666. This gap indicates that early-career professionals have the opportunity for significant salary growth as they gain experience and expertise. Over the first three to five years, new graduates can realistically anticipate moving from beginner salaries towards the 25th percentile, around $61,027, and eventually aiming for the median as they build their careers in this improving market.

About the Garland Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Garland

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$51,344/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$61,027/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$79,666/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$98,398/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garland

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Garland. The median salary is $79,666, compared to the national median of $84,348.$46.2K$67.1K$87.9K$108.8K$129.7K$51.3K10th Pctl$61.0K25th Pctl$79.7KMedian$98.4K75th Pctl$123.5K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Garland, TX typically start between $51,344 and $61,027 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,138 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,6665.55% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg TX Program Cost
$51,344
Starting Salary
42.85%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 42.85% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,344/year) in Garland. 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 Garland

  • 1Research the Garland market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,344 to $61,027, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Garland, 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 Garland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Garland'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 Garland is $72,138 ( 140.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,344, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,482.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$36,133

2025 BLS Actual

$48,764

2026 Current Est.

$51,344

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Garland (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 Garland. Baseline $36,133 in 2025, projected to $54,060 by 2027.$32.5K$38.8K$45.1K$51.4K$57.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.1K$36.7K$40.8K$41.6K$43.6K$43.4K$48.8K$51.3K$54.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$36,133Actual
2020$36,743Actual
2021$40,811Actual
2022$41,604Actual
2023$43,572Actual
2024$43,372Actual
2025$48,764Actual
2026(current)$51,344Estimated
2027$54,060Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Garland, TX grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,133 in 2019 to $48,764 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,060. New graduates entering the Garland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garland 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 Garland

In Garland, various healthcare employers actively seek new graduates in radiologic technology. Major hospital systems often hire recent grads and may offer paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT during the first one to two years, ensuring that professionals gain the experience and skills necessary to advance their careers. Outpatient imaging centers similarly value cross-trained technologists, while orthopedics generally prefer candidates with prior experience. To elevate starting pay, new graduates should focus on obtaining credentials such as a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT national registration in radiography, and state-specific licenses, where applicable. During the first 1-3 years, pursuing additional certifications in areas like CT, MRI, or mammography will be beneficial as traditional pure radiography roles tend to have flatter growth trajectories in Garland’s market, making cross-training a strategic move toward higher salaries. With the market projected to grow at 5.29% annually, entry-level technicians can see their earnings improve steadily with dedication to professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Garland start at approximately $51,344/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 $24.68/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 Garland?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Garland progress from the entry-level salary of $51,344 to the area median of $79,666 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $123,482 (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 Garland?

With a starting salary of $51,344/year in Garland 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 Garland?

New radiologic technology graduates in Garland typically start near the 10th percentile at $51,344/year, or approximately $24.68/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 Texas?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Texas, 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 Texas, 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 Texas

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Garland 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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