Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $54,352 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,352 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,193 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,257) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those beginning their careers as radiologic technologists and technicians in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the 2026 starting salary is projected at $54,352, which establishes an essential baseline for new graduates entering the field. While this entry-level pay may seem lower compared to the city median of $79,257, it reflects a typical trajectory for new professionals. Over the course of their initial 3-5 years, these technologists can expect financial growth as they move toward earning potential in the P25 range of $67,301 and later approach the median. Sun Prairie’s current market offers a solid foundation for recently licensed professionals, indicating that despite the initial entry-level figures, there is reasonable scope for salary increases as one gains experience.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sun Prairie
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 Sun Prairie
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $54,352 and $67,301 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,645 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,257 — 6.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 40.48% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,352/year) in Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie
- 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,352 to $67,301, 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 Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sun Prairie'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 Sun Prairie is $61,645 ( 113.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,352, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,997.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,250
2025 BLS Actual
$51,621
2026 Current Est.
$54,352
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,896 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,202 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,041 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,352 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,227 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,250 in 2019 to $51,621 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,227. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
New graduates pursuing radiologic technology careers in Sun Prairie will find local hospital systems to be the most significant employers offering positions suitable for recent graduates. Often, these facilities provide paid cross-training opportunities in modalities such as CT or MRI within the first few years, enhancing the skill set of entry-level employees and potentially boosting their starting radiologic technologist and technician pay in WI. Credentials such as a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT registration in radiography, and state licensure are critical for securing higher initial salaries. As candidates enter the job market, it is vital for them to consider strategies aimed at cross-training into additional imaging modalities, as the pure radiography roles often lag in growth. This active pursuit of additional certifications, combined with the ongoing consolidation within outpatient imaging chains, presents an advantageous route to achieving more competitive compensation as they navigate the early stages of their careers in the healthcare field.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
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 Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sun Prairie 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