Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Wausau, WI: $65,648 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,648 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,855 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,325) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for new radiologic technologists and technicians in Wausau, Wisconsin, are projected to begin at around $65,648 in 2026. For recent graduates entering the field, this figure is approximately $13,677 less than the city's median annual salary of $79,325, indicating a gap that early-career professionals will need to bridge as they gain experience. New professionals can expect their salaries to rise over time, with anticipated earnings reaching approximately $70,692 after a couple of years in the workforce. Given the competitive landscape and projected growth rate of 5.29% annually, Wausau presents a reasonably positive market for aspiring radiologic technologists, making it a suitable choice for those looking to start their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Wausau, WI typically start between $65,648 and $70,692 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,609 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,325 — 5.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 33.51% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($65,648/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $65,648 to $70,692, 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 Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $34,609 ( 52.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,648, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,257.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,140
2025 BLS Actual
$62,350
2026 Current Est.
$65,648
2019–2027 Growth
+56.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,648 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,121 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew 41.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,140 in 2019 to $62,350 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,121. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
Many employers in Wausau actively seek out recent grads to fill entry-level positions. Local hospital systems are major employers, often offering cross-training in computed tomography (CT) within the first couple of years of employment, enhancing skill sets and salary potential. Outpatient imaging centers also hire entry-level personnel but tend to prefer applicants who are already cross-trained, while orthopedic practices may require seasoned techs adept in extremity imaging. To boost their starting pay, graduates should focus on earning credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program, ARRT national registration in radiography, and any additional modality certifications like CT, MRI, or mammography. With salary growth typically observed within the first few years, those who engage in ongoing education and training will likely see their earnings increase significantly as they move beyond starting roles. The evolving imaging landscape underscores the importance of adaptability as consolidation in outpatient imaging continues, thereby shaping career paths for new professionals.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Wausau in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Wausau?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Wausau?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Wausau?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Wausau. 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