Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Maplewood, MN: $60,382 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Maplewood, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,382 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maplewood's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,302 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,084) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For recent graduates starting their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Maplewood, MN, the entry-level positions offer a starting salary around $60,382 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $80,084, indicating a significant gap that new grads should be prepared to address as they begin their professional journey. While starting at P10 may feel modest, the pathway for salary progression in the first few years is promising. With time and experience, an early-career technologist's salary can elevate to $67,223 at P25 and potentially reach the median salary as they gain expertise and additional certifications. Given Maplewood's healthcare landscape, it remains a viable market for newcomers, especially those willing to pursue advanced training.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maplewood
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 Maplewood
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Maplewood, MN typically start between $60,382 and $67,223 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,581 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,084 — 5.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 46.37% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($60,382/year) in Maplewood. 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 Maplewood
- 1Research the Maplewood market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $60,382 to $67,223, 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maplewood'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 Maplewood is $55,581 ( 92.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,382, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,963.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,494
2025 BLS Actual
$57,348
2026 Current Est.
$60,382
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,211 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,995 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,348 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,382 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,576 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Maplewood, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,494 in 2019 to $57,348 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,576. New graduates entering the Maplewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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 Maplewood
In the competitive job market of Maplewood, employers typically favor graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs when hiring entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians. Local hospital systems are a primary source of employment for new grads, often providing opportunities for paid cross-training in CT and MRI within the initial years of employment. Outpatient imaging chains also look for cross-trained professionals, while orthopedic practices may prefer hiring experienced candidates. To maximize their earning potential, new technologists should consider obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and seeking additional certifications in specialized modalities such as CT, MRI, or mammography. These credentials can bolster starting pay and enhance job prospects. As the field continues to consolidate, those who position themselves effectively in the evolving landscape can realistically expect salary growth in the first few years, particularly as they advance into roles that command higher compensation within and beyond pure radiography.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Maplewood?
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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 Maplewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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