Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Blaine, MN: $57,423 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Blaine, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,423 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Blaine's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,297 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,675) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Blaine, Minnesota, starting salaries paint a mixed picture. The entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Blaine in 2026 is projected to start at $57,423, significantly lower than the city’s median of $80,675. This gap indicates various opportunities for growth in the first few years, with entry-level professionals potentially progressing to $65,449 shortly after gaining some experience. Given the region's promising job market, aspiring radiologic technologists will find Blaine to be a competitive environment. The projected growth rate of 5.29% annually suggests that those who start now will likely see their earnings rise as they build experience and expertise.
About the Blaine Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Blaine
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 Blaine
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Blaine, MN typically start between $57,423 and $65,449 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,139 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,675 — 4.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 48.76% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,423/year) in Blaine. 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 Blaine
- 1Research the Blaine market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,423 to $65,449, 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 Blaine, 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 Blaine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Blaine'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 Blaine is $61,139 ( 106.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,423, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,562.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,412
2025 BLS Actual
$54,538
2026 Current Est.
$57,423
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Blaine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,412 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,093 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,954 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,538 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,423 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,461 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Blaine, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,412 in 2019 to $54,538 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,461. New graduates entering the Blaine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blaine 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 Blaine
In Blaine, many healthcare employers actively seek to hire new grad radiologic technologists and technicians, particularly through hospital systems where on-the-job training is commonly offered. Entry-level positions often include opportunities for paid cross-training in preferred modalities like CT or MRI within the first couple of years. This strategic move not only enhances skill sets but also boosts starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in MN as professionals advance. Graduates are encouraged to obtain credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs, accompanied by ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and applicable state licenses, as these credentials significantly influence salary growth. New grads should focus on transitions into specialty fields, including mammography, as those who embrace cross-training often enjoy quicker pay increases. With realistic salary growth expectations, individuals can anticipate meaningful advancements in their compensation during their initial 1-3 years in this evolving market.
More salary data for Blaine, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Blaine in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Blaine?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Blaine?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Blaine?
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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 Blaine. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Blaine 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