Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Winona, MN: $57,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,278 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,150 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,736) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of radiologic technology in Winona, Minnesota, expectations around starting pay in 2026 are realistic but require awareness of the city's median figures. New graduates can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $57,278, which is noticeably below the city’s median annual salary of $78,736. This gap illustrates that entry-level positions can vary significantly based on experience and training, but the projected growth trajectory shows that individuals can expect to reach the 25th percentile salary of $64,488 within the first few years. Given the consistent demand for healthcare professionals, Winona represents a promising market for newcomers in this industry, offering opportunities for advancement as skills develop and additional credentials are obtained.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Winona, MN typically start between $57,278 and $64,488 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,376 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,736 — 6.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Minnesota of $28,000 represents just 48.88% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,278/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,278 to $64,488, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $54,376 ( 94.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,278, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,654.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,309
2025 BLS Actual
$54,400
2026 Current Est.
$57,278
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,309 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,528 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,412 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,308 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,309 in 2019 to $54,400 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,308. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Employers in Winona, particularly local hospital systems, often provide comprehensive training and support for new rad tech graduates, including paid CT cross-training in the initial years of employment. Outpatient imaging chains are also potential employers, typically seeking cross-trained technicians skilled in various modalities, including CT and MRI. Credentials like an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, plus ARRT registration in radiography, unlock higher starting pays in Minnesota. As professionals enter their first few years, focusing on obtaining further ARRT certifications can enhance career prospects significantly; many find that specializing in areas like mammography or other modalities is a clear path to improved earnings. While starting roles in pure radiography may offer lower salaries, strategically pursuing cross-training leads to increasingly favorable pay scales as the field consolidates.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Winona in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Winona?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Winona?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Winona?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Minnesota?
Related Pages
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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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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