Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Kentwood, MI: $57,134 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Kentwood, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,134 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,303 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,009) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians in Kentwood, Michigan, can expect a starting salary around $57,134. This figure represents the lower end of the projected salary spectrum, indicating a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $80,009. For early-career professionals, there is potential for salary growth, with the opportunity to reach $65,047 as they gain experience within the first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.29% in the radiologic technology field, Kentwood emerges as a viable market for new graduates eager to establish their careers, especially in light of the competitive salary range that exists for more seasoned professionals.
About the Kentwood Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kentwood
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 Kentwood
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Kentwood, MI typically start between $57,134 and $65,047 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,474 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,009 — 5.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 42.01% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,134/year) in Kentwood. 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 Kentwood
- 1Research the Kentwood market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,134 to $65,047, 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 Kentwood, 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 Kentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kentwood'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 Kentwood is $60,474 ( 105.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,134, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,608.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,208
2025 BLS Actual
$54,263
2026 Current Est.
$57,134
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,886 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,295 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,495 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,134 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,156 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Kentwood, MI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,208 in 2019 to $54,263 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,156. New graduates entering the Kentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentwood 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 Kentwood
In terms of employment prospects, various healthcare providers in Kentwood actively seek new graduates. Larger hospital systems tend to be the primary employers, often offering paid opportunities for cross-training in advanced modalities like CT during the initial years. Outpatient imaging facilities also present viable options, especially for newly graduated radiologic techs open to gaining diverse experience. To bolster starting pay, candidates should consider obtaining their ARRT national registration in radiography (R), as well as additional ARRT modality certifications that enhance their qualifications. With a shifting landscape where outpatient imaging chain consolidations influence hiring practices, new hires should adjust their strategies toward cross-training into specialized areas such as CT, MRI, and mammography. This path not only opens doorways to increased earnings but also positions entry-level professionals to thrive in a competitive marketplace, where salary growth can accelerate significantly within the first three years.
More salary data for Kentwood, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kentwood in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kentwood?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kentwood?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kentwood?
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 Kentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kentwood 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