Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pharr, TX: $50,833 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pharr, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,833 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pharr's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,951 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,140) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those embarking on a career as a radiologic technologist and technician in Pharr, Texas, it's crucial to establish realistic salary expectations right from the start. The projected starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Pharr for 2026 is $50,833, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $76,140. This creates a notable gap for new graduates as they transition into the workforce. However, with a focus on professional development, entry-level techs can anticipate upward movement in their earnings, progressing to the $63,817 mark within a few years. In this current job market, Pharr represents a viable option for newcomers, given that healthcare demand remains steady and the local cost of living is lower than the national average, allowing graduates to stretch their paychecks further.
About the Pharr Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pharr
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 Pharr
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pharr, TX typically start between $50,833 and $63,817 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,281 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,140 — 9.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 43.28% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($50,833/year) in Pharr. 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 Pharr
- 1Research the Pharr market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $50,833 to $63,817, 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 Pharr, 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 Pharr for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pharr'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 Pharr is $64,281 ( 126.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,833, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,114.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,774
2025 BLS Actual
$48,279
2026 Current Est.
$50,833
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pharr (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,774 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,377 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,405 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,139 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,279 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,833 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,522 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pharr, TX grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,774 in 2019 to $48,279 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,522. New graduates entering the Pharr job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pharr 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 Pharr
Employers in Pharr actively seek new graduates in this field, with major hospital systems being the primary source of entry-level opportunities. These institutions typically offer paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT and MRI within the first year or two. Outpatient imaging chains also recruit entry-level techs, often preferring candidates who are open to multi-modality training. Credentials can significantly impact starting pay in Texas; holding an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration in radiography, is essential. Looking ahead, new professionals should consider pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications to enhance their prospects and salary potential. Cross-training into modalities like mammography or MRI is increasingly the standard path for higher pay, as pure radiography roles tend to have compressed salaries at the entry level, particularly amid a changing landscape influenced by outpatient chain consolidation. Entry-level professionals can expect realistic growth in compensation over the first few years as they gain experience and further their education.
More salary data for Pharr, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pharr in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Pharr?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pharr?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Pharr?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Texas?
Related Pages
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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 Pharr. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pharr 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