Radiography Tech Salary

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Eagan, MN: $59,160 (2026)

Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Eagan, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,160 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eagan's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,061 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,432) within a few years of clinical practice.

$59,160
Starting Salary
$28.44/hr
Starting Hourly
$59,160
Entry Level
$81,432
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, new graduates in Eagan, MN, looking for their first job as a radiologic technologist or technician can expect starting salaries around $59,160. While this entry-level pay may seem modest, it represents a crucial stepping stone to the city’s median annual salary of $81,432. New grads in this role can anticipate salary growth as they progress, moving from the initial figure to $66,962 at the 25th percentile within a few years. Eagan offers a supportive job market, with a growth rate of 5.29% annually over the next five years providing a favorable environment for those venturing into this rewarding field.

About the Eagan Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Eagan

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$59,160/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$66,962/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$81,432/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$101,072/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eagan

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for radiologic technologist and technicians in Eagan. The median salary is $81,432, compared to the national median of $84,348.$53.2K$71.7K$90.2K$108.7K$127.2K$59.2K10th Pctl$67.0K25th Pctl$81.4KMedian$101.1K75th Pctl$121.2K90th PctlUS Median$84.3K

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Eagan, MN typically start between $59,160 and $66,962 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,012 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,4323.46% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$28,000
Avg MN Program Cost
$59,160
Starting Salary
47.33%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 47.33% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($59,160/year) in Eagan. 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 Eagan

  • 1Research the Eagan market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $59,160 to $66,962, 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 Eagan, 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 Eagan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Eagan'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 Eagan is $62,012 ( 104.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,160, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,172.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$41,634

2025 BLS Actual

$56,188

2026 Current Est.

$59,160

2019–2027 Growth

+49.6%

Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Eagan (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 Eagan. Baseline $41,634 in 2025, projected to $62,290 by 2027.$37.5K$44.7K$52.0K$59.2K$66.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.6K$42.3K$47.0K$47.9K$50.2K$51.5K$56.2K$59.2K$62.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$41,634Actual
2020$42,337Actual
2021$47,024Actual
2022$47,937Actual
2023$50,206Actual
2024$51,503Actual
2025$56,188Actual
2026(current)$59,160Estimated
2027$62,290Projected

Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Eagan, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,634 in 2019 to $56,188 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,290. New graduates entering the Eagan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eagan 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 Eagan

Several notable employers in Eagan actively recruit new graduates in radiologic technology. Major hospital systems tend to be the primary source of opportunities, often offering paid cross-training in CT or MRI within the first year or two of employment, thus enhancing both skill set and earnings potential. Outpatient imaging centers also hire new graduates, particularly those with cross-training. For optimal entry-level pay, candidates should pursue credentials such as a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtain ARRT registration in radiography (R). Additionally, focusing on continuous education and additional ARRT modality certifications can greatly accelerate salary increases. In the early years of their careers, those who engage in cross-training are more likely to see substantial pay increases, as pure radiography positions may stagnate at the lower end of the pay scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Eagan start at approximately $59,160/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 $28.44/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 Eagan?

Most radiologic technologists and technicians in Eagan progress from the entry-level salary of $59,160 to the area median of $81,432 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $121,172 (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 Eagan?

With a starting salary of $59,160/year in Eagan 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 Eagan?

New radiologic technology graduates in Eagan typically start near the 10th percentile at $59,160/year, or approximately $28.44/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 Eagan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Eagan 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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