Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Livonia, MI: $58,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Livonia, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,663 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Livonia's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,943 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,323) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting a career as a radiologic technologist or technician in Livonia, Michigan, comes with a starting pay of approximately $58,663 for entry-level positions in 2026. While this figure may appear modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $80,323, it can provide a solid foundation for recent graduates. New professionals can expect to see a steady growth trajectory within the first few years. As they gain experience and advance within the field, salaries can rise to the $66,529 mark around the 25th percentile over three to five years. With an annual growth rate of 5.29%, Livonia is an attractive market for new graduates, especially those ready to embrace ongoing education and specialization that can enhance their earning potential.
About the Livonia Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Livonia
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 Livonia
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Livonia, MI typically start between $58,663 and $66,529 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,553 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,323 — 4.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 40.91% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,663/year) in Livonia. 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 Livonia
- 1Research the Livonia market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,663 to $66,529, 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 Livonia, 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 Livonia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Livonia'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 Livonia is $56,553 ( 96.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,663, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,216.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,284
2025 BLS Actual
$55,716
2026 Current Est.
$58,663
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Livonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,981 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,535 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,784 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,767 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Livonia, MI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,284 in 2019 to $55,716 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,767. New graduates entering the Livonia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Livonia 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 Livonia
In Livonia, employers are actively seeking new graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs, particularly those certified by the ARRT in radiography. Major hospitals tend to be the largest recruiters, often offering paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT) within the first one to two years of employment. Outpatient imaging chains also contribute to the job market by hiring entry-level technologists, although orthopedic practices may prefer candidates with experience in extremity imaging. Continued education is essential; additional ARRT modality certifications, whether in CT, MRI, or mammography, can significantly boost starting wages and career advancement opportunities. Within the first three years, new grads can reasonably expect their salaries to climb as they progress from entry-level roles, especially if they pursue specialty training in a rapidly evolving field shaped by industry consolidation.
More salary data for Livonia, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Livonia in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Livonia?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Livonia?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Livonia?
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 Livonia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Livonia 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