Radiography Tech Salary

Detroit vs Jackson: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Detroit, MI
$81,631
$39.24/hr
Jackson, MI
$80,415
$38.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIJackson, MI
Median Salary$81,631$80,415
Hourly Rate$39.24$38.66
Entry Level (P10)$60,321$56,790
25th Percentile$66,870$64,852
75th Percentile$90,455$96,080
Top Earner (P90)$106,785$112,424
Total Employed3,1506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($81,631) and Jackson ($80,415) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.DetroitJacksonMedian Salary$81,631$80,415Entry Level (P10)$60,321$56,790Top Earner (P90)$106,785$112,424US Median $84,348

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Detroit and Jackson is $1,216 (1.51%). 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 Detroit spans $46,464,Jackson spans $55,634. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$60,321
P25$66,870
Median$81,631
P75$90,455
P90 (Top)$106,785
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$56,790
P25$64,852
Median$80,415
P75$96,080
P90 (Top)$112,424

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($86,282 effective) pays 6.01% more than Detroit ($81,388 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $81,631
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $81,388
Jackson
Nominal: $80,415
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $86,282

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

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

Choose Jackson if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($112,424)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,282)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Detroit grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+31.2%

$59,100 (2019) → $77,530 (2025)

Jackson, MI

+27.5%

$59,920 (2019) → $76,375 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Detroit has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $81,631/year, compared to Jackson at $80,415/year — a difference of $1,216 (1.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Jackson?

Detroit radiologic technologist and technicians earn $39.24/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $38.66/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $81,388, Jackson = $86,282), job availability (3,150 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $60,321 in Detroit and $56,790 in Jackson. 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