Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Saginaw, MI: $58,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Saginaw, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,510 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Saginaw's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,374 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,629) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

For those entering the field of radiologic technology in Saginaw, Michigan, the starting salary for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians is projected to be around $58,510 in 2026. While this figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $71,629, it sets the stage for potential growth as experience is gained. New graduates can reasonably expect to move through salary brackets such as $65,090 within their first few years, paving the way toward the median figure as they advance their careers. Saginaw presents a favorable market for new graduates, offering opportunities for growth and professional development in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Career Earnings Timeline in Saginaw
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 Saginaw
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Saginaw, MI typically start between $58,510 and $65,090 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,723 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,629 — 15.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 41.02% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,510/year) in Saginaw. 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 Saginaw
- 1Research the Saginaw market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,510 to $65,090, 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 Saginaw, 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 Saginaw for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Saginaw'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 Saginaw is $28,723 ( 49.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,510, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,233.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,370
2025 BLS Actual
$55,570
2026 Current Est.
$58,510
2019–2027 Growth
+69.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Saginaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,871 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,654 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,715 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,605 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Saginaw, MI grew 52.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,370 in 2019 to $55,570 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,605. New graduates entering the Saginaw job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saginaw 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 Saginaw
In Saginaw, hospitals are among the primary employers of entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians, often providing paid cross-training in modalities like CT or MRI in the first one or two years. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices also recruit new graduates, though the latter may prefer candidates with experience in extremity work. To enhance their marketability, new grads should consider obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, acquiring ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and pursuing any necessary state licenses. For those looking to increase their starting pay in Michigan, obtaining additional ARRT certifications in specialized modalities such as mammography can be beneficial. Given the current trend towards consolidation in the outpatient imaging sector, new professionals should focus on cross-training early in their careers, as this strategy positions them not only for higher pay but also for more diverse job roles in the coming years. Realistic salary growth expectations during the first three years in this specific market could lead to an income that increasingly aligns with more experienced peers, driving up the potential for earning as they advance through their careers.
More salary data for Saginaw, 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 Saginaw. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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