Radiography Tech Salary

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 98.51% 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.

$58,625
Starting Salary
$28.19/hr
Starting Hourly
$58,625
Entry Level
$82,108
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$58,625/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$66,434/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$82,108/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$98,313/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chaska

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Chaska. The median salary is $82,108, compared to the national median of $84,348.$52.8K$69.8K$86.8K$103.9K$120.9K$58.6K10th Pctl$66.4K25th Pctl$82.1KMedian$98.3K75th Pctl$115.1K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

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 $82,1082.66% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$28,000
Avg MN Program Cost
$58,625
Starting Salary
47.76%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (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 Chaska. Baseline $41,258 in 2025, projected to $61,727 by 2027.$37.2K$44.3K$51.5K$58.7K$65.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.3K$42.0K$46.6K$47.5K$49.8K$50.9K$55.7K$58.6K$61.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$41,258Actual
2020$41,954Actual
2021$46,599Actual
2022$47,504Actual
2023$49,752Actual
2024$50,949Actual
2025$55,680Actual
2026(current)$58,625Estimated
2027$61,727Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Chaska start at approximately $58,625/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 $28.19/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 Chaska?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Chaska progress from the entry-level salary of $58,625 to the area median of $82,108 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $115,136 (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 Chaska?

With a starting salary of $58,625/year in Chaska 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 Chaska?

New radiologic technology graduates in Chaska typically start near the 10th percentile at $58,625/year, or approximately $28.19/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 Minnesota?

To become a licensed radiologic technologist and technician in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota

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 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).

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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