Radiography Tech Salary

Madison vs West Bend: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Madison, WI and West Bend, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$85,201
$40.96/hr
West Bend, WI
$80,150
$38.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIWest Bend, WI
Median Salary$85,201$80,150
Hourly Rate$40.96$38.54
Entry Level (P10)$65,522$56,370
25th Percentile$73,219$64,278
75th Percentile$99,099$95,469
Top Earner (P90)$104,995$111,270
Total Employed7705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($85,201) and West Bend ($80,150) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.MadisonWest BendMedian Salary$85,201$80,150Entry Level (P10)$65,522$56,370Top Earner (P90)$104,995$111,270US Median $84,348

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Bend.

The salary gap between Madison and West Bend is $5,051 (6.30%). Madison's median is +1.01% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $39,473,West Bend spans $54,900. West Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$65,522
P25$73,219
Median$85,201
P75$99,099
P90 (Top)$104,995
West Bend
P10 (Entry)$56,370
P25$64,278
Median$80,150
P75$95,469
P90 (Top)$111,270

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($87,577 effective) pays 2.05% more than West Bend ($85,814 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $85,201
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $87,577
West Bend
Nominal: $80,150
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $85,814

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($85,201/year)
  • Larger job market (770 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,577)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose West Bend if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($111,270)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Madison grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in West Bend over the same period.

Madison, WI

+31.7%

$61,460 (2019) → $80,920 (2025)

West Bend, WI

+18.5%

$64,243 (2024) → $76,123 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Madison or West Bend?

Madison has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $85,201/year, compared to West Bend at $80,150/year — a difference of $5,051 (6.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and West Bend?

Madison radiologic technologist and technicians earn $40.96/hr while West Bend hygienists earn $38.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to West Bend as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and West Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $87,577, West Bend = $85,814), job availability (770 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Madison vs West Bend?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $65,522 in Madison and $56,370 in West Bend. The Madison 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