Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $54,517 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Fredericksburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,517 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,827 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,133) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Fredericksburg, VA, offers a promising opportunity for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in 2026, with starting salaries projected at $54,517. In comparison to the city’s median annual salary of $79,133, new graduates face a significant initial gap but have the potential to bridge this within just a few years through career advancement. Over the first three to five years, salaries can realistically increase to around $67,381 at the 25th percentile, indicating a consistent upward trajectory. Given the expected 5.29% growth rate within the profession, Fredericksburg presents a favorable job market for recent graduates seeking to launch their careers in radiologic technology.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Fredericksburg, VA typically start between $54,517 and $67,381 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,133 — 6.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Virginia of $26,000 represents just 47.69% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,517/year) in Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg
- 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,517 to $67,381, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fredericksburg'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 Fredericksburg is $61,789 ( 113.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,517, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,306.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,366
2025 BLS Actual
$51,778
2026 Current Est.
$54,517
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,014 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,333 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,175 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,778 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,517 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,401 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, VA grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,366 in 2019 to $51,778 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,401. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, various healthcare employers actively seek new graduates, particularly hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training opportunities in CT, which can significantly enhance skill sets early in their careers. This is crucial as outpatient imaging chains increasingly prefer cross-trained techs, and even orthopedic practices typically hire more experienced technicians who are adept with extremity work. To maximize starting pay in Virginia, new grads should focus on obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieving ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and, where necessary, a state license. Additionally, pursuing ARRT modality certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography can pave the way for higher salaries and advancement opportunities. While entry-level roles in pure radiography may compress at the lower end of the pay scale, proactive cross-training and continuing education will be essential strategies to achieve realistic salary growth during the first few years in this evolving field.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fredericksburg in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Fredericksburg?
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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 Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg 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