Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in University Park, TX: $52,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the University Park, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,159 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out University Park's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,630) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For individuals entering the radiologic technology field in University Park, the expected starting salary is around $52,159 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $72,630 for the region, indicating a substantial gap that new graduates will need to manage as they begin their careers. Over the course of the first few years, entry-level technicians can expect to see their salaries grow progressively, moving towards the 25th percentile average of $58,710 and aiming to reach the median as they gain experience. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, University Park presents a solid opportunity for new graduates looking to establish themselves in a growing market, allowing ample room for professional advancement.
About the University Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in University Park
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 University Park
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in University Park, TX typically start between $52,159 and $58,710 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,868 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,630 — 13.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Texas of $22,000 represents just 42.18% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,159/year) in University Park. 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 University Park
- 1Research the University Park market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,159 to $58,710, 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 University Park, 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 University Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5University Park'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 University Park is $51,868 ( 99.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,159, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,027.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,707
2025 BLS Actual
$49,538
2026 Current Est.
$52,159
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,707 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,326 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,538 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,918 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in University Park, TX grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,707 in 2019 to $49,538 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,918. New graduates entering the University Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Park 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 University Park
In this area, major employers typically include hospital systems that are well-known for hiring new graduates into their radiologic technology programs, often coupling paid cross-training in specialized areas like CT or MRI within the initial one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains also actively recruit entry-level technologists, often preferring candidates who are cross-trained in various modalities to meet the evolving needs of patients. To enhance their starting pay, new graduates are encouraged to complete their education from a JRCERT-accredited program and achieve ARRT national registration in radiography, along with any necessary state licensure. Building credentials through the acquisition of additional ARRT modality certifications can lead to significant salary increases. In the first three years of employment, technicians who embrace cross-training into advanced modalities, such as mammography, will likely see more favorable salary growth compared to those remaining in pure radiography roles, as the latter faces increasing compression at the lower end of the pay scale.
More salary data for University Park, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in University Park in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in University Park?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in University Park?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in University Park?
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 University Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for University Park 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