Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Mount Pleasant, MI: $59,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Mount Pleasant, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,006 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mount Pleasant's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,311 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,064) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate stepping into the role of a radiologic technologist or technician in Mount Pleasant can expect an entry-level salary around $59,006. This starting pay is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $76,064, highlighting a gap that new professionals should be prepared to navigate. However, there is clear potential for growth in the first few years of employment, with realistic expectations placing salaries around $64,731 after a year, potentially moving toward the median within three to five years. Mount Pleasant presents a viable market for new graduates in radiology, with local healthcare facilities supportive of entry-level candidates, especially those from JRCERT-accredited programs, creating pathways for career advancement.
About the Mount Pleasant Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mount Pleasant
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 Mount Pleasant
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Mount Pleasant, MI typically start between $59,006 and $64,731 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,535 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,064 — 9.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 40.67% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($59,006/year) in Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant
- 1Research the Mount Pleasant market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $59,006 to $64,731, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mount Pleasant'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 Mount Pleasant is $47,535 ( 80.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,006, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,541.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,525
2025 BLS Actual
$56,041
2026 Current Est.
$59,006
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,525 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,812 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,075 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,315 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,041 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,127 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Mount Pleasant, MI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,525 in 2019 to $56,041 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,127. New graduates entering the Mount Pleasant job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Local employers that typically recruit new rad tech graduates include major hospital systems, which often provide paid cross-training in areas such as CT or MRI during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers in Mount Pleasant also look for cross-trained candidates, though orthopedic practices may prefer techs with experience focused on extremity work. To enhance starting pay, new graduates should consider obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and any applicable state licenses. Continuing education and further certification in additional modalities can be an effective strategy for increasing earning potential. Within the first few years, realistic salary growth may align with industry trends where cross-training into specialized fields like mammography is essential. These pathways create more opportunities, as pure radiography roles can stagnate at the start of one's career in Mount Pleasant, MI.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Mount Pleasant. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mount Pleasant 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