Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Dearborn, MI: $58,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Dearborn, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,454 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dearborn's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,719 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,210) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those launching their careers in radiology, understanding the entry-level spectrums of salary is vital. In Dearborn, MI, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary is expected to be around $58,454 in 2026, which sits notably below the city’s median of $81,210. New graduates can anticipate a gradual increase as they gain experience, progressing through the first few years into figures like $64,825 at the 25th percentile. The market dynamics in Dearborn indicate that while starting salaries may feel restrained, there is robust growth potential. With a forecasted annual growth rate of 5.29% for this profession over the next five years, now may be an opportune time for new grads to enter a generally healthy job market that's expected to expand.
About the Dearborn Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dearborn
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 Dearborn
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Dearborn, MI typically start between $58,454 and $64,825 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,388 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,210 — 3.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 41.06% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,454/year) in Dearborn. 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 Dearborn
- 1Research the Dearborn market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,454 to $64,825, 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 Dearborn, 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 Dearborn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dearborn'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 Dearborn is $65,388 ( 111.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,454, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,842.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,137
2025 BLS Actual
$55,517
2026 Current Est.
$58,454
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,137 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,463 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,365 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,546 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Dearborn, MI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,137 in 2019 to $55,517 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,546. New graduates entering the Dearborn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn 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 Dearborn
New graduates looking for employment in Dearborn typically find opportunities primarily in local hospital systems, which often hire newly minted radiologic technologists and technicians for initial roles. Many of these positions include paths for paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT within the first couple of years, which is key for advancing salary potential. Outpatient imaging centers also seek techs but often prefer candidates who are already cross-trained. Additionally, for enhancing starting pay and career options, gaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT registration in radiography (R), and pursuing state licensure are essential. Entry-level roles may initially see some compression at the lower end of the scale; however, with strategic career decisions—like obtaining additional ARRT modality certifications in areas like MRI or mammography—techs can expect more favorable salaries as their careers progress. In summary, while new grad radiologic technologist and technician pay in Michigan may start modestly, there's significant support for growth through community resources and employer initiatives.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Dearborn in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Dearborn?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Dearborn?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Dearborn?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Michigan?
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 Dearborn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dearborn 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