Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $105,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Aberdeen, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,693/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Aberdeen's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,893 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Aberdeen, South Dakota, are positioned to earn lucrative salaries, particularly at the top end of the market. With a projected salary of $105,693 for the 90th percentile in 2026, these professionals find themselves in a strong financial standing compared to their counterparts nationwide, whose top salaries average $84,348. The distinction between the median salary of $74,386 and the earnings of top earners highlights the significant premium associated with experience and advanced certifications in this field. Achieving such elevated salaries entails not only years of hands-on experience but also ongoing professional development, including specialization in high-demand imaging modalities.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Aberdeen earn between $91,740 and $105,693 per year (2026 est.). This $51,246 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Aberdeen median of $74,386 sits 11.81% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Aberdeen | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $74,386 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,740 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,693 | $124,937 |
In Aberdeen, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 42.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay in Aberdeen
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $74,386 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Aberdeen employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Aberdeen command premium compensation, often reaching the $91,740–$105,693 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Aberdeen metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologic technologists and technicians in Aberdeen with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Aberdeen
Clinical Radiologic Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologic Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsRadiologic Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAberdeen ranks #1 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $105,693).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Aberdeen ($105,693) is 10.9% above the South Dakota average P90 ($95,303).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,934
2025 BLS Actual
$100,383
2026 Current Est.
$105,693
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,854 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,611 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,284 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Aberdeen saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $75,934 in 2019 to $100,383 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.29% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $111,284 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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.
Maximizing Your Radiologic Technologist and Technician Earnings in Aberdeen
Compensation for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians fluctuates significantly across various settings, impacting overall pay considerably. Specializations such as computed tomography (ARRT-CT), magnetic resonance imaging (ARRT-MR), and mammography (ARRT-M) command higher wages in Aberdeen, appealing to both hospitals and outpatient imaging facilities. Additionally, the type of employer plays a role, with hospitals typically offering more comprehensive benefits and higher pay compared to outpatient centers or mobile services. For those aspiring to senior leadership positions, pathways like imaging department manager or modality supervisor present opportunities for both prestige and increased compensation. Advanced credentials, particularly from JRCERT-accredited programs and ARRT certifications, are crucial to unlocking these higher salary brackets. Non-monetary perks, including cross-training in multiple modalities and additional shift differentials, further contribute to the attractiveness of senior roles within this evolving market in SD.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Aberdeen in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Aberdeen?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Aberdeen?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Aberdeen?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Aberdeen?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $100,383 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Aberdeen metro area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen 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