Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Sterling Heights, MI: $83,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Sterling Heights, MI earns a median $83,250/year (≈ $40.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Sterling Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $89,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Sterling Heights is projected to be $83,250, which is slightly below the national median of $84,348. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, from $55,482 at the 10th percentile to $129,037 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level BLS estimates, taking into account regional cost adjustments in Sterling Heights. The local job market reflects a blend of hospital setting versus outpatient imaging chains, where hospital-based roles often tend to offer higher compensation due to complexity and extended responsibilities.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,482 | $26.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,894 | $31.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,250 | $40.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,409 | $48.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,037 | $62.04 |
Median Salary Position
1.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling Heights
In Sterling Heights, MI, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,555 (2026 est.). At $83,250, the local median is 1.3% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Heights Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Sterling Heights median: $83,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $81,537 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | -1.30% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $83,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $81,537.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $83,250 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,324 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,722
2025 BLS Actual
$79,067
2026 Current Est.
$83,250
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,722 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,571 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,704 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,067 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,654 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling Heights metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $59,722 (2019) to $79,067 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,654 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,932 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling Heights 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) | $55,482 – $64,894 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,894 – $83,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,250 – $101,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,409 – $129,037 |
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 Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights currently employs 29 radiologic technologists and technicians, which contributes to a competitive job environment. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, the salaries in the area provide reasonable purchasing power compared to national averages. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest pay, followed closely by orthopedic surgery practices and outpatient imaging centers. Variability in compensation is influenced by factors such as modality cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography, as well as shifts and call coverage. Those looking to maximize their radiologic technologist and technician pay in Sterling Heights, MI, should consider cross-training into advanced modalities and seeking positions that offer stipends for lead roles or trauma center certifications.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, 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 $79,067 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Sterling Heights 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
Salary data for Sterling Heights 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