Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Onalaska, WI: $59,199 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Onalaska, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,199 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Onalaska's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,382 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,861) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For graduates starting their careers in Onalaska, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary is projected to be $59,199 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for new professionals, creating a noticeable gap between starting salaries and the city's median annual income of $81,861. Over the first few years, diligent new graduates can expect salary growth, with opportunities to advance to around $69,948 within their first three to five years as they gain experience. Onalaska currently appears to be a promising market for recent graduates, with a healthy demand for radiologic technologists and technicians, particularly those who are eager to learn and can adapt to the evolving landscape of medical imaging.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Onalaska
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 Onalaska
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Onalaska, WI typically start between $59,199 and $69,948 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,203 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,861 — 2.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 37.16% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($59,199/year) in Onalaska. 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 Onalaska
- 1Research the Onalaska market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $59,199 to $69,948, 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 Onalaska, 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 Onalaska for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Onalaska'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 Onalaska is $51,203 ( 86.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,199, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,402.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,662
2025 BLS Actual
$56,225
2026 Current Est.
$59,199
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,662 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,055 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,239 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,412 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,225 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,199 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,331 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Onalaska, WI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,662 in 2019 to $56,225 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,331. New graduates entering the Onalaska job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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 Onalaska
In the Onalaska job market, local healthcare providers primarily employ new graduates in hospital systems, which often offer cross-training in advanced modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography within the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging chains increasingly seek radiologic techs who are well-rounded and adaptable, creating additional opportunities for entry-level candidates. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, obtaining an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and securing ARRT national registration in radiography (R) is crucial. In the initial years, it’s advisable for new graduates to pursue additional certifications in various imaging modalities, as cross-training significantly boosts earning potential. Realistically, entry-level professionals can expect to see their salaries grow steadily as they align themselves with evolving industry standards, particularly as outpatient imaging remains a competitive field in this region.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Onalaska in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Onalaska?
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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 Onalaska. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Onalaska 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