Radiography Tech Salary

Grand Rapids vs Kentwood: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Grand Rapids, MI
$81,452
$39.16/hr
Kentwood, MI
$80,009
$38.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrand Rapids, MIKentwood, MI
Median Salary$81,452$80,009
Hourly Rate$39.16$38.46
Entry Level (P10)$62,763$57,134
25th Percentile$66,438$65,047
75th Percentile$83,474$98,683
Top Earner (P90)$98,530$117,608
Total Employed8607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grand Rapids ($81,452) and Kentwood ($80,009) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.Grand RapidsKentwoodMedian Salary$81,452$80,009Entry Level (P10)$62,763$57,134Top Earner (P90)$98,530$117,608US Median $84,348

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Kentwood is $1,443 (1.80%). Grand Rapids's median is -3.43% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $35,767,Kentwood spans $60,474. Kentwood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Grand Rapids
P10 (Entry)$62,763
P25$66,438
Median$81,452
P75$83,474
P90 (Top)$98,530
Kentwood
P10 (Entry)$57,134
P25$65,047
Median$80,009
P75$98,683
P90 (Top)$117,608

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kentwood ($85,847 effective) pays 0.70% more than Grand Rapids ($85,249 effective).

Grand Rapids
Nominal: $81,452
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $85,249
Kentwood
Nominal: $80,009
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $85,847

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Grand Rapids if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,452/year)
  • Larger job market (860 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Kentwood if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($117,608)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,847)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Grand Rapids grew 46.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Kentwood over the same period.

Grand Rapids, MI

+46.9%

$52,650 (2019) → $77,360 (2025)

Kentwood, MI

+23.3%

$61,630 (2024) → $75,989 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Grand Rapids or Kentwood?

Grand Rapids has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $81,452/year, compared to Kentwood at $80,009/year — a difference of $1,443 (1.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Kentwood?

Grand Rapids radiologic technologist and technicians earn $39.16/hr while Kentwood hygienists earn $38.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Kentwood as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grand Rapids and Kentwood. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grand Rapids = $85,249, Kentwood = $85,847), job availability (860 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Grand Rapids vs Kentwood?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $62,763 in Grand Rapids and $57,134 in Kentwood. The Grand Rapids 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