Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in St. Louis Park, MN: $57,904 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the St. Louis Park, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,904 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Louis Park's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,786 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,019) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the radiologic technology field in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, expectations for starting pay in 2026 show a range that begins at $57,904. While this figure represents the entry-level baseline, it's important to note that it’s significantly below the median salary of $80,019 for all radiologic technologists in the area. However, entry-level professionals can anticipate a gradual increase in their earnings as they gain experience and skills. The pay trajectory is promising, allowing movement from the entry-level threshold through the $65,312 mark within a few years of experience, further positioning newcomers well in the job market. Overall, St. Louis Park appears to offer a solid environment for new graduates, standing to attract those ready to begin their careers in this necessary healthcare sector.
About the St. Louis Park Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Louis Park
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 St. Louis Park
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in St. Louis Park, MN typically start between $57,904 and $65,312 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,041 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,019 — 5.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 48.36% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,904/year) in St. Louis Park. 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 St. Louis Park
- 1Research the St. Louis Park market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,904 to $65,312, 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 St. Louis Park, 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 St. Louis Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Louis Park'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 St. Louis Park is $58,041 ( 100.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,904, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,945.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,750
2025 BLS Actual
$54,995
2026 Current Est.
$57,904
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in St. Louis Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,904 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,967 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in St. Louis Park, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,750 in 2019 to $54,995 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,967. New graduates entering the St. Louis Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park
A variety of employers actively hire entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in St. Louis Park, including larger hospital systems that typically offer paid CT cross-training within the first couple of years, creating lucrative opportunities for graduates. Outpatient imaging chains also seek new grads for cross-trained positions, emphasizing the importance of versatility in today’s job market. Credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs and national registration through ARRT are crucial, as maintaining a state license may be necessary in some cases. To enhance starting salaries in Minnesota, new professionals often pursue additional ARRT modality certifications. During the first few years post-graduation, cross-training into specialized areas such as CT, MRI, or mammography is a strategic move, as pure radiography roles tend to plateau sooner in terms of salary growth. Entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians can expect their earnings to rise significantly as they transition into these sought-after specialties.
More salary data for St. Louis Park, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in St. Louis Park in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in St. Louis Park?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in St. Louis Park?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in St. Louis Park?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Minnesota?
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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 St. Louis Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Louis Park 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