Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Appleton, WI: $81,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Appleton, WI earns a median $81,979/year (≈ $39.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Appleton's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.4), that paycheck buys what $88,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Appleton, Wisconsin, employment prospects for radiologic technologists and technicians show a promising trajectory, particularly for those who expand their skill sets through modality cross-training. With a projected median annual salary of $81,979 for 2026, the earnings potential can vary significantly, spanning from $67,017 at the bottom 10% to as much as $101,205 at the top 90%. This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Office of Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlights not only the competitive pay in the region but also underscores the value of additional credentials in areas such as CT, MRI, and mammography. In an evolving healthcare landscape, especially in Appleton, those with cross-trained skills can better position themselves for higher salaries and more robust job opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,017 | $32.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,029 | $34.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,979 | $39.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,571 | $44.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,205 | $48.65 |
Median Salary Position
2.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Appleton
In Appleton, WI, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,188 (2026 est.). At $81,979, the local median is 2.81% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Appleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Appleton Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Appleton median: $81,979/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Appleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $81,571 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | -2.81% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Appleton, WI earn a median of $81,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 0.50% above the Wisconsin state average of $81,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Appleton has a cost of living 7.58% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Appleton, WI has a cost-of-living index of 92.419 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $81,979 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,704 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,730
2025 BLS Actual
$77,860
2026 Current Est.
$81,979
2019–2027 Growth
+54.9%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Appleton metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 39.7% from $55,730 (2019) to $77,860 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,585 (54.88%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton 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) | $67,017 – $71,029 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,029 – $81,979 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,979 – $92,571 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,571 – $101,205 |
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 Appleton
The local job market for radiologic technologists and technicians reflects strength, with about 190 professionals employed in the area. However, the cost of living, measured by a CoL index of 92.419, indicates that the purchasing power of these salaries is generally favorable compared to national trends. Employers in Appleton such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers frequently offer the highest compensation, often driven by specialization and additional responsibilities. Factors contributing to the salary range include cross-training credentials, shift differentials, and stipends for lead or supervisory roles. For those aspiring to maximize their earnings in this market, investing in further certifications, considering roles in urgent care chains or mobile X-ray companies, and being flexible in work schedules can yield significant benefits in terms of pay.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Appleton?
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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 $77,860 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Appleton 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