Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Farmington Hills, MI: $55,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Farmington Hills, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,270 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Farmington Hills's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,303 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,660) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology and looking into the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Farmington Hills can expect a pay range from $55,270 up to $81,660, which is the median annual salary for this occupation in the area. The starting pay, while lower than the median, lays a foundation for potential growth, as many entry-level positions can lead to salaries that approach the 25th percentile of $64,359 within just a few years. For recent graduates, the Farmington Hills market is relatively favorable, presenting opportunities that align reasonably close to the overall state salary figures, with new technologists showing a promising annual growth trajectory of 5.29%. Understanding the salary range and the expected advancement path can help new graduates formulate realistic financial expectations as they enter the workforce in 2026.
About the Farmington Hills Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Farmington Hills
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 Farmington Hills
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Farmington Hills, MI typically start between $55,270 and $64,359 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,756 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,660 — 3.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 43.42% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,270/year) in Farmington Hills. 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 Farmington Hills
- 1Research the Farmington Hills market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,270 to $64,359, 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 Farmington Hills, 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 Farmington Hills for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Farmington Hills'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 Farmington Hills is $69,756 ( 126.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,270, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,026.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,896
2025 BLS Actual
$52,493
2026 Current Est.
$55,270
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Farmington Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,896 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,932 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,785 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,398 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,194 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Farmington Hills, MI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,896 in 2019 to $52,493 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,194. New graduates entering the Farmington Hills job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Farmington Hills 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 Farmington Hills
In terms of employment opportunities within Farmington Hills, local hospitals are among the primary employers looking to hire newly credentialed radiologic technologists. These institutions often provide opportunities for cross-training in specialties such as CT and MRI within the first couple of years, which can significantly enhance earning potential. Outpatient imaging centers frequently seek cross-trained technicians, while orthopedic practices usually prefer candidates with some experience, particularly in extremity imaging. To maximize earning potential in MI, new graduates should pursue additional credentials, such as ARRT registration and state licensure, alongside certifications in various modalities. With the field's consolidation and the trend toward cross-training, salary expectations rise appreciably for those who embrace ongoing education and training within the first three years, allowing new professionals to eye salaries closer to the upper range of the market.
More salary data for Farmington Hills, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Farmington Hills in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Farmington Hills?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Farmington Hills?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Farmington Hills?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Michigan?
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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 Farmington Hills. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Farmington Hills 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