Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Northfield, MN: $58,025 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Northfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,025 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Northfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,909 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,325) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Northfield is projected to start at approximately $58,025. This starting figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, with realistic expectations showing a path toward the median salary of $79,325 within a few years of gaining experience. For new graduates, there is potential for salary growth as they move to the 25th percentile at $64,892 and can ultimately reach the median with dedication and skill development. Given Northfield's steady healthcare demand, particularly in imaging services, this city currently presents a favorable market for recent graduates entering the field.
About the Northfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Northfield
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 Northfield
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Northfield, MN typically start between $58,025 and $64,892 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,023 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,325 — 5.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 48.26% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($58,025/year) in Northfield. 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 Northfield
- 1Research the Northfield market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $58,025 to $64,892, 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 Northfield, 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 Northfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Northfield'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 Northfield is $52,023 ( 89.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,025, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,048.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,835
2025 BLS Actual
$55,110
2026 Current Est.
$58,025
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Northfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,524 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,122 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,018 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,025 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,095 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Northfield, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,835 in 2019 to $55,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,095. New graduates entering the Northfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northfield 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 Northfield
Employers in Northfield that typically hire new radiologic technologist and technician graduates include local hospital systems which often provide opportunities for paid cross-training in specialties like CT, MRI, and mammography during the first year or two of employment. Outpatient imaging chains are also significant recruiters but may favor candidates with additional modality training. Obtaining credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, achieving ARRT national registration in radiography (R), as well as state-specific licenses when necessary, can positively influence starting pay rates in Minnesota. Entry-level professionals should aim for cross-training as a strategy to enhance their career trajectory and salary potential, as pure radiography roles are experiencing increased compression at the lower end of the wage scale. Those who strategically pursue specialization can expect to see earnings rise significantly in their first three years.
More salary data for Northfield, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Northfield in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Northfield?
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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 Northfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Northfield 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