Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Middleton, WI: $57,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Middleton, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,454 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Middleton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,514 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,414) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, new graduates entering the radiologic technologist and technician field can anticipate a starting salary around $57,454. This figure represents the P10 estimate for 2026, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $75,414. However, entry-level professionals can look forward to gradual salary increases as experience is gained, moving toward the P25 figure of $63,357 within a few years. Given a growth rate of 5.29% annually, this upward trajectory suggests that Middleton can be a favorable market for early-career radiologic professionals seeking avenues for advancement and better compensation over time.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Middleton
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 Middleton
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Middleton, WI typically start between $57,454 and $63,357 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,698 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,414 — 10.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 38.29% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,454/year) in Middleton. 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 Middleton
- 1Research the Middleton market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,454 to $63,357, 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 Middleton, 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 Middleton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Middleton'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 Middleton is $49,698 ( 86.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,454, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,152.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,433
2025 BLS Actual
$54,567
2026 Current Est.
$57,454
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,433 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,115 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,667 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,493 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Middleton, WI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,433 in 2019 to $54,567 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,493. New graduates entering the Middleton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middleton 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 Middleton
Employers in Middleton typically hiring new graduates include hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training opportunities in computed tomography (CT) within the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains also recruit fresh talent, although they may prefer candidates with additional training in various modalities. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, it's essential for entry-level technologists to obtain credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program along with ARRT national registration in radiography. In the initial years, pursuing cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography can substantially increase earning potential, as pure radiography roles tend to face tighter salary constraints. With aspirations for higher pay, early-career professionals should strategically align their education and credentials with market demands to ensure realistic salary growth over their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Middleton in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Middleton?
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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 Middleton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middleton 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