Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $66,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Milwaukee, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,838 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Milwaukee's local price level (BEA RPP 96.9 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,950 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,422) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the projected starting radiologic technologist and technician salary in Milwaukee, WI, is approximately $66,838 in 2026. This entry-level pay reflects a modest beginning when compared to the city's median annual salary of $84,422, creating a significant gap that early-career professionals can strive to bridge. Over the first three to five years, entry level professionals usually see their earnings increase as they accumulate experience, potentially reaching the P25 salary of $74,882, which is a more realistic expectation for individuals with some practical experience. Given the positive growth trajectory of 5.29%, Milwaukee represents a supportive market for new graduates who are aiming to advance their careers in radiology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Milwaukee
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 Milwaukee
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Milwaukee, WI typically start between $66,838 and $74,882 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,737 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,422 — 0.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 32.92% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($66,838/year) in Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee
- 1Research the Milwaukee market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $66,838 to $74,882, 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Milwaukee's moderate 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 Milwaukee is $39,737 ( 59.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,838, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,575.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,110
2025 BLS Actual
$63,480
2026 Current Est.
$66,838
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,374 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Milwaukee, WI grew 40.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,110 in 2019 to $63,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,374. New graduates entering the Milwaukee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
Employers in Milwaukee actively seek out newly graduated radiologic technologists and technicians, with major hospital systems being the top recruiters. Many of these facilities offer paid cross-training in CT or MRI during the first couple of years, which can significantly enhance earning potential. Additionally, outpatient imaging centers are on the lookout for techs willing to expand their skills as cross-trained professionals. On the credentials front, obtaining an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with national registration from ARRT in radiography, is crucial for improving starting pay in Wisconsin. Strategies for the first years in the field should include gaining experience in both pure radiography and specialized modalities, as opportunities for cross-training into areas like mammography can lead to faster advancement. Realistic salary growth in the first three years should allow new graduates to progress their earnings beyond entry-level pay as they build expertise in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Milwaukee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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