Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $55,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Wisconsin Rapids, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,937 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wisconsin Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,890 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,787) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of radiologic technology in Wisconsin Rapids can expect a starting salary around $55,937. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $74,787, indicating a significant gap that entry-level candidates must navigate early in their careers. However, there is potential for growth in this profession; new graduates typically see their pay increase as they progress to the 25th percentile, earning around $60,387 within a few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.29% in this field, Wisconsin Rapids presents a favorable market for early-career radiologic technologists, allowing them to establish a strong foundation while gaining valuable experience and pursuing additional training opportunities.
About the Wisconsin Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wisconsin Rapids
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 Wisconsin Rapids
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Wisconsin Rapids, WI typically start between $55,937 and $60,387 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,612 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,787 — 11.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 39.33% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,937/year) in Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids
- 1Research the Wisconsin Rapids market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,937 to $60,387, 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 Wisconsin Rapids, 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 Wisconsin Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wisconsin Rapids'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 Wisconsin Rapids is $46,612 ( 83.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,937, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,549.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,366
2025 BLS Actual
$53,127
2026 Current Est.
$55,937
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,471 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,127 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,897 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,366 in 2019 to $53,127 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,897. New graduates entering the Wisconsin Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Employers in Wisconsin Rapids are actively looking for new radiologic technologist graduates, particularly within hospital systems that often include paid cross-training in areas like CT or MRI during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers also seek candidates who can work in diversified areas, while orthopedic practices tend to prefer techs with experience in extremity imaging. To enhance their earning potential, new graduates should prioritize completing an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and obtaining ARRT registration in radiography (R), as well as state licensure where applicable. Cross-training into supplementary modalities, such as CT, MRI, or mammography, is not just a common career path but essential for advancing salaries, especially given the constraints on pure radiography positions in this evolving landscape. Realistic salary growth during the first three years may see new grads moving swiftly from entry-level pay to higher brackets as they gain experience and credentials, making a strategic career approach vital in Wisconsin Rapids.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, 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 Wisconsin Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wisconsin Rapids 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