Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Chaska, MN: $58,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Chaska, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,625 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chaska's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,518 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,108) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For 2026, new graduates entering the radiologic technologist and technician profession in Chaska, MN, can expect a starting salary around $58,625, which reflects the lower end of the pay scale for this role. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary in the city of $82,108, highlighting the typical earnings gap often faced by entry-level professionals. However, as new technologists gain experience, there is potential for growth; transitioning from the starting salaries at the 10th percentile ($58,625) to the 25th percentile ($66,434) is achievable within a few years. With the local job market displaying a steady annual growth rate of 5.29%, Chaska represents a promising environment for recent graduates to establish their careers and gradually increase their earnings.
About the Chaska Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chaska
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 Chaska
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Chaska, MN typically start between $58,625 and $66,434 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,511 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,108 — 2.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 47.76% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,625/year) in Chaska. 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 Chaska
- 1Research the Chaska market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,625 to $66,434, 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 Chaska, 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 Chaska for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chaska'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 Chaska is $56,511 ( 96.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,625, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,136.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,258
2025 BLS Actual
$55,680
2026 Current Est.
$58,625
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Chaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,954 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,504 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,727 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Chaska, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,258 in 2019 to $55,680 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,727. New graduates entering the Chaska job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska 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 Chaska
In Chaska, various employers actively recruit entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians, particularly hospital systems that offer paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT) during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains are also a common pathway for new grads, seeking candidates familiar with multiple modalities for enhanced operational flexibility. While orthopedic practices might prefer experienced technicians for specific extremity work, newly credentialed professionals can enhance their marketability by obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT registration, and state licensure. Pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography can lead to significant salary boosts. It's crucial for new radiologic technologists to focus on cross-training, as this strategic move often translates to quicker advances and better pay in their first three years compared to remaining solely in straightforward radiography roles. Overall, realistic salary growth expectations suggest that with dedication and continued education, new professionals in this field can effectively climb the salary range in Chaska.
More salary data for Chaska, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Chaska?
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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 Chaska. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chaska 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