Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Austin, MN: $54,220 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Austin, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,220 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austin's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,046 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,581) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Austin, MN, can expect a starting salary around $54,220 in 2026. While this figure is below the city's median annual salary of $78,581, it represents a foundational stepping stone for those starting their careers. Over the first few years, new technologists can realistically anticipate salary growth as they gain experience and potentially move up to the 25th percentile, noted at $62,431. As such, Austin's market presents a conducive environment for career entry due to its projected growth trajectory of 5.29% annually, making it a viable option for those pursuing opportunities in this vital healthcare role.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austin
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 Austin
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Austin, MN typically start between $54,220 and $62,431 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,921 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,581 — 6.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 51.64% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,220/year) in Austin. 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 Austin
- 1Research the Austin market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,220 to $62,431, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austin, 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 Austin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austin's moderate 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 Austin is $56,921 ( 104.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,220, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,141.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,157
2025 BLS Actual
$51,496
2026 Current Est.
$54,220
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,496 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,220 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,088 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Austin, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,157 in 2019 to $51,496 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,088. New graduates entering the Austin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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 Austin
Employers in Austin, such as local hospital systems, frequently hire new graduates as radiologic technologists and technicians, often providing paid training for advanced modalities like CT or MRI in the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers also recruit early-career professionals but may prefer candidates who possess a broader skill set, particularly those already cross-trained. A degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration and state licensure, significantly enhances a new grad's marketability and starting pay. Furthermore, new professionals should focus on gaining additional ARRT certifications, as cross-training in other modalities is essential for advancement and achieving higher salaries in an industry where foundational radiography roles may experience compressed pay. Realistic salary growth over the first three years in this dynamic market can pave the way for higher compensation, especially in light of changes brought about by the consolidation of outpatient imaging chains.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Austin in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Austin?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Austin?
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How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Minnesota?
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 Austin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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