Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Hastings, MN: $57,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Hastings, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,609 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hastings's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,486 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,156) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Minnesota, the starting pay for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians is projected at $57,609 for 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $79,156, which illustrates a clear gap that many new graduates may face as they enter the workforce. However, early-career professionals can anticipate a positive growth trajectory as they gain experience, moving from the lower pay scale toward the median within three to five years. With an annual growth rate of 5.29%, Hastings appears to currently be a viable market for recent graduates seeking opportunities in the radiologic technology field, especially if they are prepared to pursue additional certifications and cross-training options.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hastings
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 Hastings
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Hastings, MN typically start between $57,609 and $64,542 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,883 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,156 — 6.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 48.60% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,609/year) in Hastings. 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 Hastings
- 1Research the Hastings market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,609 to $64,542, 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 Hastings, 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 Hastings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hastings'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 Hastings is $51,883 ( 90.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,609, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,492.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,543
2025 BLS Actual
$54,715
2026 Current Est.
$57,609
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,543 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,227 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,681 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,045 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,657 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Hastings, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,543 in 2019 to $54,715 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,657. New graduates entering the Hastings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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 Hastings
In Hastings, local employers are eager to recruit new radiologic technologist and technician graduates, particularly within hospital systems that offer paid training for cross-training in CT or MRI during the first one to two years of employment. Outpatient imaging centers and orthopedic practices are also hiring, though the latter typically prefer candidates with some experience. Graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs should aim for ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and ensure they secure any necessary state licenses. Credentialing and continuing education can significantly elevate starting pay in Minnesota, as most entry-level roles may initially focus on pure radiography. Early career strategies should include seeking opportunities for cross-training in advanced modalities like CT, MRI, or mammography, which tend to lead to higher salary prospects. Realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years can be promising, particularly as the consolidation of outpatient imaging chains continues to shape the hiring landscape.
More salary data for Hastings, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Hastings in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Hastings?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Hastings?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Hastings?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Hastings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hastings 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