Radiography Tech Salary

Dearborn Heights vs Detroit: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dearborn Heights, MI
$81,479
$39.17/hr
Detroit, MI
$81,631
$39.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDearborn Heights, MIDetroit, MI
Median Salary$81,479$81,631
Hourly Rate$39.17$39.24
Entry Level (P10)$55,190$60,321
25th Percentile$63,997$66,870
75th Percentile$98,126$90,455
Top Earner (P90)$124,383$106,785
Total Employed133,150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dearborn Heights ($81,479) and Detroit ($81,631) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.Dearborn HeightsDetroitMedian Salary$81,479$81,631Entry Level (P10)$55,190$60,321Top Earner (P90)$124,383$106,785US Median $84,348

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.

The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Detroit is $152 (0.19%). Detroit's median is -3.22% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $69,193,Detroit spans $46,464. Dearborn Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dearborn Heights
P10 (Entry)$55,190
P25$63,997
Median$81,479
P75$98,126
P90 (Top)$124,383
Detroit
P10 (Entry)$60,321
P25$66,870
Median$81,631
P75$90,455
P90 (Top)$106,785

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dearborn Heights ($87,424 effective) pays 7.42% more than Detroit ($81,388 effective).

Dearborn Heights
Nominal: $81,479
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $87,424
Detroit
Nominal: $81,631
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $81,388

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dearborn Heights if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($124,383)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,424)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,631/year)
  • Larger job market (3,150 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 22.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Detroit over the same period.

Dearborn Heights, MI

+22.2%

$63,327 (2024) → $77,385 (2025)

Detroit, MI

+31.2%

$59,100 (2019) → $77,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Dearborn Heights or Detroit?

Detroit has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $81,631/year, compared to Dearborn Heights at $81,479/year — a difference of $152 (0.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Detroit?

Dearborn Heights radiologic technologist and technicians earn $39.17/hr while Detroit hygienists earn $39.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Detroit as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dearborn Heights and Detroit. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dearborn Heights = $87,424, Detroit = $81,388), job availability (13 vs 3,150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Dearborn Heights vs Detroit?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $55,190 in Dearborn Heights and $60,321 in Detroit. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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