Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Fairfax, VA: $77,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Fairfax, VA earns a median $77,602/year (≈ $37.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $75,196 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fairfax, Virginia, radiologic technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median salary of $77,602 in 2026. This figure highlights a pay gradient influenced by the structural differences between hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging chains. The salary range spans from $56,415 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $107,645 at the upper end (90th percentile), reflecting the diverse earnings potential within the profession. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences, providing valuable insights into the local market. With a relatively strong healthcare infrastructure, opportunities remain robust for those entering this field in Fairfax.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,415 | $27.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,474 | $30.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,602 | $37.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,827 | $44.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,645 | $51.75 |
Median Salary Position
8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,230 (2026 est.). At $77,602, the local median is 8% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $77,602/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $81,259 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -8.00% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $77,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.00% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $81,259.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,602 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,196 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,671
2025 BLS Actual
$73,703
2026 Current Est.
$77,602
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,539 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,703 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $55,671 (2019) to $73,703 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,036 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,415 – $63,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,474 – $77,602 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,602 – $92,827 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,827 – $107,645 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Fairfax
The job market for radiologic technologists and technicians in Fairfax is underscored by the presence of only four professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index, sitting at 103.2, suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must also accommodate the higher living expenses associated with the region. Employers in the area, particularly hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers, tend to offer some of the most favorable compensation packages. Pay disparities are often driven by factors such as modality cross-training in CT, MRI, and mammography, with those who diversify their skill sets seeing higher wages. Additionally, shifts that require on-call coverage or lead responsibilities can also command additional pay. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Fairfax VA, pursuing cross-training certifications via ARRT and considering mobile X-ray companies or travel positions may provide enhanced financial benefits.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Fairfax, VA in 2026?
Is Fairfax, VA a good place to work as a radiologic technologist and technician?
Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Fairfax?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in Fairfax?
How much does a radiologic technologist and technician make per hour in Fairfax?
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $73,703 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Fairfax metropolitan area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfax 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