Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Pierre, SD: $51,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Pierre, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,760 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pierre's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,776 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,540) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those starting their careers, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Pierre, SD, projects an annual figure of $51,760 in 2026. This starting wage is significantly below the city’s median salary of $73,540, indicating a gap of approximately $21,780 for new professionals entering the field. However, the first few years in this profession can bring noticeable increases, as many new graduates can anticipate moving up to the 25th percentile salary of $63,232 within a few years of employment. Given these figures, Pierre stands out as a market with reasonable compensation structure for new graduates, offering potential growth that aligns with the expected 5.29% annual growth rate for the industry.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pierre
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 Pierre
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Pierre, SD typically start between $51,760 and $63,232 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,408 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,540 — 12.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in South Dakota of $20,000 represents just 38.64% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($51,760/year) in Pierre. 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 Pierre
- 1Research the Pierre market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,760 to $63,232, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pierre, 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 Pierre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pierre'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 Pierre is $52,408 ( 101.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,760, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,168.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,426
2025 BLS Actual
$49,159
2026 Current Est.
$51,760
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,426 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,941 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,498 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Pierre, SD grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,426 in 2019 to $49,159 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,498. New graduates entering the Pierre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 Pierre
In Pierre, the most common employers for recent graduates include local hospital systems, which often provide cross-training in areas like computed tomography (CT) during the first one to two years of employment. Outpatient imaging chains are also key players in hiring new graduates, frequently seeking those with additional training in various modalities. To improve starting pay, newcomers should consider obtaining credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT registration in radiography (R) and any necessary state licenses. Career advancement strategies typically involve cross-training into specialized areas such as MRI or mammography, as these modalities can lead to higher compensation over time. Entry-level roles centered solely on radiography may experience limited upward movement in pay, given the current industry trends in South Dakota where consolidation among outpatient providers is reshaping job availability and responsibilities.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pierre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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