Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in St. Paul, MN: $62,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the St. Paul, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,027 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Paul's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,972 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,171) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate starting as a radiologic technologist and technician in St. Paul, Minnesota can realistically expect an entry-level salary around $62,027 in 2026. This figure is substantially below the city's median salary of $90,171, illustrating the typical income progression for newcomers in this field. However, the outlook is positive, as many entry-level professionals can anticipate moving to $72,353 within their first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, St. Paul presents a favorable job market for new graduates, making it an appealing place for aspiring technologists eager to start their careers.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Paul
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. Paul
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in St. Paul, MN typically start between $62,027 and $72,353 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,739 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,171 — 6.9% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 45.14% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($62,027/year) in St. Paul. 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. Paul
- 1Research the St. Paul market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $62,027 to $72,353, 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. Paul, 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. Paul for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Paul'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. Paul is $77,739 ( 125.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,027, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,766.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,652
2025 BLS Actual
$58,911
2026 Current Est.
$62,027
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,652 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,303 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,261 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,706 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,309 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in St. Paul, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,652 in 2019 to $58,911 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,309. New graduates entering the St. Paul job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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. Paul
In St. Paul, major hospital systems are notable employers for new graduates seeking to enter the radiologic technology field, often providing paid cross-training in CT within the first year or two. Outpatient imaging centers are also hiring, especially those looking for cross-trained technologists. Meanwhile, orthopedic practices might lean more towards experienced candidates proficient in extremity work. Graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT national registration greatly enhance a new radiologic technologist's marketability. As they gain experience, many will benefit from pursuing additional ARRT modality certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography to secure positions with higher pay. In these first three years, transitioning into these specialized areas can provide significant salary growth, with pure radiography roles experiencing a decline in compensation as the market shifts toward cross-trained professionals.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in St. Paul in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in St. Paul?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in St. Paul?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in St. Paul?
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 St. Paul. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Paul 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