Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Dickinson, ND: $52,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,745 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,877) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Dickinson, an entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary of around $52,745 may be a realistic expectation. This figure stands in stark contrast to the city median of $75,877, indicating a significant gap that new professionals will need to bridge as they gain experience. Typically, early-career technologists can anticipate a growth trajectory through the first few years, with salaries potentially reaching $60,393 as they develop their skills and reputation. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.29%, Dickinson currently presents a decent market for new graduates given the strong demand for healthcare professionals, despite the lower starting pay.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
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 Dickinson
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Dickinson, ND typically start between $52,745 and $60,393 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,235 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,877 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 34.13% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($52,745/year) in Dickinson. 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 Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $52,745 to $60,393, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, 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 Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson's below-average 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 Dickinson is $59,235 ( 112.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,745, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,980.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,119
2025 BLS Actual
$50,095
2026 Current Est.
$52,745
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,119 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,746 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,925 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,739 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,762 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,973 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,535 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,119 in 2019 to $50,095 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,535. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
Employers in Dickinson that actively recruit new grads include local hospital systems, which often offer roles that feature paid cross-training opportunities within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains are also known for hiring entry-level technologists, particularly those willing to become cross-trained in additional modalities. Gaining credentials such as an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration in radiography (R), significantly enhances earning potential. For those looking to improve their starting pay swiftly, cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography is a sought-after career strategy, as roles focused solely on traditional radiography tend to plateau at the lower end of the pay spectrum. Realistically, those who invest in continuous education and additional certifications can look forward to salary improvements in their first three years, fostering upward mobility and enhanced job satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Dickinson in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Dickinson?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Dickinson?
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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 Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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