Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $57,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,902 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,994 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,010) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A first job as a radiologic technologist or technician in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, typically starts at around $57,902 annually in 2026. While this entry-level salary is below the city's median of $78,010, new graduates should remain optimistic given the growth potential in the field. Many early-career professionals can realistically expect to see their pay increase as they build experience and credentials, moving through the salary ranges to the P25 earning approximately $64,745 within a few years. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, Manitowoc remains a solid market for recent graduates eager to enter the workforce and gain valuable experience.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $57,902 and $64,745 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,078 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,010 — 7.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 38.00% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,902/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,902 to $64,745, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $54,078 ( 93.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,902, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,980.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,749
2025 BLS Actual
$54,993
2026 Current Est.
$57,902
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,749 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,436 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,024 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,827 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,965 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,749 in 2019 to $54,993 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,965. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Potential employers for newly minted radiologic technologists and technicians in Manitowoc are primarily local hospitals, which often offer paid cross-training in various imaging modalities during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains are also looking for cross-trained techs, while orthopedic practices may prefer techs with experience in extremity imaging. Graduates should focus on obtaining credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs and ARRT national registrations in radiography (R), as these qualifications significantly enhance starting pay opportunities in Wisconsin. A strategic approach during the first few years involves aiming for cross-training in areas like CT or MRI, as the standard path to higher earnings, significantly compared to purely radiography roles that tend to plateau. Aiming for ongoing education and certifications from ARRT and relevant professional organizations like ASRT will be instrumental for new grads' advancement in their careers.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Wisconsin?
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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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