Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $63,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Grand Forks, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,879 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Forks's local price level (BEA RPP 86.7 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,710 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,104) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field in Grand Forks, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected to be $63,879 in 2026. This figure is noticeably below the city's median annual wage of $76,104, highlighting a significant gap for those just starting their careers. While early-career professionals may initially find their pay on the lower end of the spectrum, the trajectory for salary growth is promising, with many new grads expected to earn closer to $82,653 as they gain experience over the first few years. With a 5.29% growth rate anticipated annually, Grand Forks proves to be a viable market for new technologists, offering ample opportunities as the local healthcare sector continues to expand.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Grand Forks, ND typically start between $63,879 and $63,879 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,016 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,104 — 9.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 28.18% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($63,879/year) in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks
- 1Research the Grand Forks market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $63,879 to $63,879, 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 Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks is $20,016 ( 31.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,879, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,895.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,955
2025 BLS Actual
$60,670
2026 Current Est.
$63,879
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,714 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,259 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Forks, ND grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,955 in 2019 to $60,670 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,259. New graduates entering the Grand Forks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, local healthcare institutions are the primary employers of entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians, often providing paid cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT and MRI within the first year or two. Outpatient imaging chains also seek recent graduates, though they typically emphasize the importance of cross-training for higher salary levels. Employers highly value credentials like an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT national registration in radiography (R), and additional certifications from ARRT in other modalities. As the job market progresses, new professionals focusing on cross-training can expect to see their starting pay steadily rise, especially as the industry shifts toward outpatient care and specialized imaging services. With realistic salary growth expectations for those in their first three years, starting salaries can effectively increase, reflecting both the consolidation of outpatient imaging and the ongoing demand for skilled technologists across ND.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Grand Forks in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Grand Forks?
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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 Grand Forks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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