Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Detroit, MI: $81,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Detroit, MI earns a median $81,631/year (≈ $39.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Detroit's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.3), that paycheck buys what $81,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source

Detroit's radiologic technologists and technicians have an estimated median annual salary of $81,631 in 2026, reflecting a vibrancy in the local healthcare market driven in part by shift differentials and the city's designation as a trauma center. Compensation varies significantly, with a range from $60,321 at the 10th percentile to $106,785 at the 90th percentile, indicative of the diverse roles individuals play in this field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, project a competitive pay scenario influenced by high-demand specialties and the complexity of the work, setting the stage for growth opportunities in the region. As healthcare institutions in Detroit continue to evolve, this positive financial outlook is critical for attracting skilled technologists who can navigate the changing landscape of medical imaging.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,321 | $29.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,870 | $32.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,631 | $39.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,455 | $43.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,785 | $51.34 |
Median Salary Position
3.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Detroit
In Detroit, MI, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,464 (2026 est.). At $81,631, the local median is 3.22% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Detroit: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Detroit Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Detroit median: $81,631/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Detroit Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $81,550 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | -3.22% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Detroit, MI earn a median of $81,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.22% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 0.10% above the Michigan state average of $81,550.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Detroit has a cost of living 0.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Detroit, MI has a cost-of-living index of 100.298 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,631 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $81,388 — a 0.3% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,100
2025 BLS Actual
$77,530
2026 Current Est.
$81,631
2019–2027 Growth
+45.4%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,950 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Detroit metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 31.2% from $59,100 (2019) to $77,530 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,950 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,850 (45.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Detroit 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,321 – $66,870 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,870 – $81,631 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,631 – $90,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,455 – $106,785 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Detroit
With around 3,150 radiologic technologists and technicians employed in the Detroit area, the local job market remains robust, allowing professionals to thrive amid a cost-of-living index of 100.298. This index signals a manageable economic climate for these workers, but it also emphasizes the importance of seeking higher-paying positions to maximize purchasing power. Top employers in the region include hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers, with opportunities for pay increases coming from modality cross-training in areas such as CT, MRI, and mammography. This enhances earning potential significantly, as does the availability of shift differentials and supervisory stipends. For those seeking to elevate their standing and salaries, actively pursuing advanced certifications through organizations like ARRT and positioning oneself in trauma centers could lead to more lucrative opportunities within the Detroit MI market.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,530 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Detroit metropolitan area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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