Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Bay City, MI: $58,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Bay City, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,404 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bay City's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,665 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,946) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic technologists and technicians entering the workforce in Bay City, Michigan, can expect a starting salary around $58,404 in 2026. This entry-level figure represents a clear gap from the median annual salary of $80,946 for the region. New graduates can anticipate steady growth from this initial pay, moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $65,943 within the first few years. The Bay City job market currently provides a favorable environment for new graduates, as the demand for radiologic services continues to rise, aided by advancements and consolidation in the healthcare sector. Although starting salaries may trail behind the national median of $84,348, local employment opportunities present promising pathways for career advancement.
About the Bay City Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bay City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bay City
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Bay City, MI typically start between $58,404 and $65,943 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,818 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,946 — 4.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 41.09% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,404/year) in Bay City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bay City
- 1Research the Bay City market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,404 to $65,943, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bay City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bay City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bay City's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Bay City is $55,818 ( 95.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,404, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,222.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,102
2025 BLS Actual
$55,470
2026 Current Est.
$58,404
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Bay City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,102 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,423 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,325 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,494 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Bay City, MI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,102 in 2019 to $55,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,494. New graduates entering the Bay City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bay City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Bay City
In Bay City, several key employers actively recruit new radiologic technologist and technician graduates, primarily within local hospital systems that often offer cross-training opportunities in advanced modalities like CT and MRI during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers frequently seek these newly trained professionals, while orthopedic practices typically prefer hiring experienced techs proficient in extremity imaging. Graduates can enhance their entry-level pay prospects by obtaining credentials from an accredited JRCERT program and passing the ARRT national exam in radiography. In the initial years, focusing on additional certifications in modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography can significantly elevate earning potential, especially as straightforward radiography roles may experience stagnation in salary growth. New professionals should realistically aim for gradual salary increases in their first three years as they advance in their skills, with the market gradually rewarding specialty training and diverse experience in the radiologic field.
More salary data for Bay City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bay City in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Bay City?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Bay City?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Bay City?
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bay City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bay City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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