Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Williston, ND: $54,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,687 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,442 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,046) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of radiologic technology in Williston, ND, the starting pay reflects a practical entry point with a projected salary of $54,687 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $74,046 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the city, indicating that new graduates can expect a gap as they begin their careers. However, it’s worth noting that the trajectory of earning potential in this profession can advance fairly quickly with experience; newcomers can move from the entry-level starting salary to around $61,254 as they gain proficiency. Williston, therefore, presents a favorable market for recent graduates, providing ample opportunities to grow within the profession as employers seek skilled candidates to meet an increasing demand in healthcare services.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Williston, ND typically start between $54,687 and $61,254 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,098 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,046 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 32.91% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,687/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,687 to $61,254, 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 Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $51,098 ( 93.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,687, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,785.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,486
2025 BLS Actual
$51,939
2026 Current Est.
$54,687
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,486 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,135 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,468 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,409 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,939 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,579 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,486 in 2019 to $51,939 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,579. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
In Williston, major employers hiring entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians include local hospital systems, which often offer training programs with paid cross-training in CT and MRI technologies during the first few years. Outpatient imaging chains are also on the lookout for new graduates, especially those who can adapt to various modalities. It is essential for newcomers to consider credentials that can elevate their starting salary, such as completing a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT national registration in radiography (R). Adding certifications in specialized areas like CT or mammography can open doors to better pay and opportunities, as these roles stand out in a competitive market. New grads can anticipate realistic salary increases within their first three years as they transition from basic radiography responsibilities to more advanced imaging techniques, making a proactive approach to cross-training advantageous in the evolving landscape of radiologic technology in Williston.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Williston in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Williston?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Williston?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Williston?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in North Dakota?
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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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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