How Much Does a Rad Tech Make in Missouri in 2026?

A typical Rad Tech in Missouri earns about $35.14 per hour ($73,080 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Calculated from the annual figure, that comes to roughly $6,090 a month and about $1,405 a week. These figures cover radiographers working in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers across the state.

That pay sits 9% below the national typical pay of $80,110 a year, a gap that tends to track Missouri's lower cost of living compared with many coastal states. Missouri ranks 40th out of 51 states and D.C. for Rad Tech pay. Around 5,170 Rad Techs work across the state, giving a sense of scale for the field here.

Entry-level Rad Tech positions in Missouri typically offer around $24.43 an hour, or about $50,810 a year, according to the same May 2025 data. Pay in this range is common for those just finishing certification or in their first hospital role. Within a few years, most Rad Techs see their pay move up toward the state's typical figure of $73,080 a year.

Experienced Rad Techs in Missouri often earn upwards of $80,770 a year, and the top 10% of earners make over $97,150. That leaves a spread of $46,340 between entry-level and top pay in the state. Setting, years of experience, and city all play a part in where a given Rad Tech lands within that range.

Missouri Rad Tech pay has climbed steadily over the past several years, from $52,990 in 2019 to $73,080 in 2025. That's a gain of $20,090, or about 38%, over that span. The increase came in steady yearly steps rather than a single jump, moving from $55,200 in 2020 up through $67,120 in 2024 before reaching this year's figure.

That 38% rise outpaces the national increase of 32% over the same decade-long stretch. Pay for Rad Techs in Missouri has moved up in real dollar terms nearly every year. For someone starting out now, that history shows steady gains over time, though it's no guarantee of what happens next.

Rad Tech pay runs highest in Kansas City, where the typical wage is $78,340 a year, about 7% above the statewide figure. St. Louis follows closely at $76,390 a year. Both figures reflect pay across the full metro area, not just the city center.

Springfield pays the least among Missouri's metro areas, with a typical wage of $63,810 a year, a spread of $14,530 between the state's highest- and lowest-paying cities. St. Louis employs the most Rad Techs of any Missouri metro, with about 2,190 working there. Cities with higher pay tend to carry higher living costs, so the gap doesn't always translate into more spending power.

Missouri's pay lags most of its neighbors. Illinois pays the most nearby, with Rad Techs earning $79,930 a year, about 9% more than Missouri. Kansas and Oklahoma also pay somewhat more. Arkansas pays the least among neighboring states, at $63,640 a year, about 13% below Missouri. Radiologic technology licenses are often transferable or eligible for endorsement between neighboring states, which can simplify a move for someone chasing higher pay.

Rad Techs in Missouri typically earn $73,080 a year, up from $52,990 in 2019, a gain of $20,090 over six years. Pay varies by city and experience, but the trend has been upward. Readers considering this path can check Missouri's licensing and registry requirements through the state's radiologic technology board, and compare local figures on the city pages for Kansas City, St. Louis, and other Missouri metros.