Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Jackson, MI: $56,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Jackson, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,790 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,933 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,415) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates looking at entry-level radiologic technologist and technician positions in Jackson, Michigan, can expect starting salaries around $56,790. This initial pay is significantly lower than the city median of $80,415, highlighting a gap many new grads will need to navigate as they start their careers. However, there is potential for salary growth as entry-level professionals typically move towards the 25th percentile, projected at $64,852, over the first few years. With steady experience and continued education, professionals can aim for positions with median earnings and realize the advantage of Jackson being a market where they can build their expertise and access higher salaries.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Jackson, MI typically start between $56,790 and $64,852 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,634 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,415 — 4.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 42.26% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($56,790/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $56,790 to $64,852, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $55,634 ( 97.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,790, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,424.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,400
2025 BLS Actual
$53,937
2026 Current Est.
$56,790
2019–2027 Growth
+103.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,017 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,937 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,794 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MI grew 83.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,400 in 2019 to $53,937 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,794. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Employers in Jackson that frequently hire new radiologic technologists and technicians include major hospital systems, which often provide opportunities for cross-training in CT and MRI during the first year or two. Outpatient imaging centers also recruit newly trained technologists, while orthopedic practices may favor applicants who have some experience in extremity imaging. To position themselves positively in the job market, new grads should pursue credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs and obtain ARRT national registration in radiography. Additionally, acquiring state licenses and possibly further ARRT certifications for specialized modalities can enhance their starting pay in Michigan. In the evolving landscape of the industry, aspiring radiologic technologists should focus on cross-training across different imaging modalities, such as CT and mammography, to increase their market value, especially as opportunities in pure radiography positions may stagnate in salary growth. Over the first few years, new graduates can anticipate measurable salary increases commensurate with their skills and experience in Jackson's imaging facilities.
More salary data for Jackson, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Jackson?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Jackson?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Michigan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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