Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pontiac, MI: $55,360 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pontiac, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,360 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pontiac's local price level (BEA RPP 93.27% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,399 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,740) within a few years of clinical practice.

$55,360
Starting Salary
$26.62/hr
Starting Hourly
$55,360
Entry Level
$78,740
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologic Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Pontiac, MI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pontiac, MI radiologic technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Pontiac, Michigan, newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians can expect to start their careers with a salary of approximately $55,360, which serves as a benchmark for entry-level pay in this sector. When compared to the median annual salary of $78,740 for this occupation in the city, there is a significant gap of over $23,000 that early-career professionals must navigate. However, with some experience, salaries can ascend considerably, as new graduates typically see opportunities to move up to the 25th percentile at around $63,366 within a few years. The job market in Pontiac is relatively inviting for fresh graduates, especially considering the projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, indicating a healthy demand for professionals in this field.

About the Pontiac Market

Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Pontiac

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$55,360/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$63,366/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$78,740/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$96,347/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pontiac

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Pontiac. The median salary is $78,740, compared to the national median of $84,348.$49.8K$67.5K$85.2K$102.9K$120.6K$55.4K10th Pctl$63.4K25th Pctl$78.7KMedian$96.3K75th Pctl$114.9K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pontiac, MI typically start between $55,360 and $63,366 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,501 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,7406.65% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of radiologic technologist and technician pay in the Pontiac metro area.

Return on Investment

$24,000
Avg MI Program Cost
$55,360
Starting Salary
43.35%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 43.35% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,360/year) in Pontiac. 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 Pontiac

  • 1Research the Pontiac market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,360 to $63,366, 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 Pontiac, 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 Pontiac for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Pontiac'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 Pontiac is $59,501 ( 107.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,360, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,861.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$38,960

2025 BLS Actual

$52,579

2026 Current Est.

$55,360

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pontiac (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pontiac. Baseline $38,960 in 2025, projected to $58,289 by 2027.$35.1K$41.9K$48.6K$55.4K$62.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$39.0K$39.6K$44.0K$44.9K$47.0K$41.5K$52.6K$55.4K$58.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$38,960Actual
2020$39,617Actual
2021$44,004Actual
2022$44,858Actual
2023$46,981Actual
2024$41,524Actual
2025$52,579Actual
2026(current)$55,360Estimated
2027$58,289Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pontiac, MI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,960 in 2019 to $52,579 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,289. New graduates entering the Pontiac job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pontiac metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Pontiac

In Pontiac, various employers actively seek out new graduates in radiologic technology. Hospital systems are often the largest recruiters, providing opportunities for positions that include paid cross-training in modalities like CT or MRI during the first year or two on the job. Outpatient imaging chains also look for cross-trained techs, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer those with experience in extremity work. To enhance starting pay in Michigan, entry-level professionals should aim for an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtain ARRT national registration in radiography (R), along with any required state licenses. Aspiring techs should be proactive about pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications since cross-training into advanced areas like CT and mammography is becoming the norm for higher compensation. Realistic salary progression during the first three years can be favorable, especially for those who invest in credentials and diversify their skills, as pure radiography roles often see slower wage growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Pontiac in 2026?

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Pontiac start at approximately $55,360/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.29% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $26.62/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Pontiac?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Pontiac progress from the entry-level salary of $55,360 to the area median of $78,740 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $114,861 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Pontiac?

With a starting salary of $55,360/year in Pontiac and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new radiologic technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Pontiac?

New radiologic technology graduates in Pontiac typically start near the 10th percentile at $55,360/year, or approximately $26.62/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Michigan?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Michigan, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Michigan, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some radiologic technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Michigan

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

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 Pontiac. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Pontiac is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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