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 96.0 — 4% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Garland
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 $79,666 — 5.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,743 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,811 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,572 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,060 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garland 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 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.
More salary data for Garland, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Garland in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Garland?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Garland?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Garland?
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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 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).
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