Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $32.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Columbia, TN runs $32.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,178 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, TN, the projected median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians stands at $32.29, significantly below the national median of $40.55. This discrepancy highlights the challenges faced by professionals in the area, especially those working part-time or in per-diem positions, such as in hospital imaging suites, outpatient clinics, or urgent care centers. For instance, part-timers working three days a week can expect to earn around $2,670 monthly, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, but still competitive within local industries. Entry-level positions may command a starting pay of $22.31, while top earners can see rates as high as $47.45 per hour, reflecting the potential for growth and specialization through cross-training into areas like CT or MRI.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.31 | $178.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.57 | $204.60 |
| Median (P50) | $32.29 | $258.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.08 | $320.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.45 | $379.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $32.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.29/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $67,168 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,751. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,291.70 | $5,597 | $67,168 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $775.02 | $3,358 | $40,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.68 | $2,239 | $26,867 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Columbia) | $32.29 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Columbia, TN earn a median of $67,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.36% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $68,901.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.29/hr = $40,301/year (purchasing power: $43,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,168/year (purchasing power: $73,168).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Columbia grew 32.4% from $23.17/hr (2019) to $30.67/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Columbia
Considering the earning potential in greater depth, those working part-time in Columbia face a different financial reality compared to full-timers, with a 24-hour workweek translating into about $32,000 annually, which is substantially lower than full-time earnings. Per diem roles offer a more lucrative alternative, as professionals can typically charge between $40 and $60 per hour, with advanced skills in CT or MRI elevating pay rates to between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts also represent high-income opportunities, reaching up to $2,800 weekly, particularly for cross-trained technologists. Different employer types impact hourly rates in varied ways; while hospital salaries tend to offer lower rates, outpatient centers and mobile X-ray companies might pay more to attract talent. As professionals weigh their options, negotiating for benefits—like health insurance—against higher hourly wages without benefits often becomes a crucial decision point in their career strategies.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Columbia?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Columbia?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Columbia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbia 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