Detroit vs Traverse City: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Detroit, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,631▲ | $77,167 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.24▲ | $37.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,321▲ | $55,269 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,870▲ | $62,271 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,455 | $91,624▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,785▲ | $105,568 |
| Total Employed | 3,150▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Traverse City.
The salary gap between Detroit and Traverse City is $4,464 (5.78%). 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,Traverse City spans $50,299. Traverse City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Traverse City ($82,797 effective) pays 1.73% more than Detroit ($81,388 effective).
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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,785)
- ✓Larger job market (3,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,797)
- ✓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 22.2% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$59,100 (2019) → $77,530 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$59,976 (2024) → $73,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Detroit or Traverse City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Traverse City?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Traverse City as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Detroit vs Traverse City?
Related Comparisons
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
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