Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Brookings, SD: $100,171 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Brookings, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,171/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Brookings's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $107,943 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, SD, the potential for top radiologic technologists and technicians to earn significantly increases with experience, particularly for seasoned professionals with over seven years in the field. The 2026 projections highlight that elite earners could see a salary reaching as high as $100,171, with a strong base among the top 25% at $86,416. This figure represents an experience premium when compared to the median annual salary of $72,315 for all professionals in this role. Achieving these top-tier earnings often requires advanced certifications, specializations in high-demand modalities like CT or MRI, and a solid track record within the healthcare system, particularly in competitive settings such as major hospitals or specialized outpatient centers.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Brookings earn between $86,416 and $100,171 per year (2026 est.). This $45,166 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookings median of $72,315 sits 14.27% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $72,315 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,416 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,171 | $124,937 |
In Brookings, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 38.52% 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 Brookings
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $72,315 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookings employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Brookings command premium compensation, often reaching the $86,416–$100,171 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookings 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 Brookings 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 Brookings
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
AdvancedBrookings ranks #8 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $100,171).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Brookings ($100,171) is 5.11% above the South Dakota average P90 ($95,303).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,967
2025 BLS Actual
$95,138
2026 Current Est.
$100,171
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,525 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,085 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,138 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,171 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,470 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Brookings saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $71,967 in 2019 to $95,138 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 $105,470 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 Brookings
Compensation strategies for senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Brookings hinge on several key areas that influence salary and advancement opportunities. Specializations like ARRT-CT, ARRT-MR, and ARRT-M in mammography command higher pay, further enhancing earning potential for experienced professionals. Compensation can vary notably between employer types, with those in hospital imaging departments and orthopedic practices often receiving more generous packages compared to outpatient centers or mobile X-ray companies. Advancement pathways are robust, leading to roles such as modality supervisor or department manager, which may also include additional compensation incentives. Advanced credentials from JRCERT-accredited programs or extra ARRT certifications can significantly boost pay. Additionally, less tangible benefits such as modality cross-training, shift differentials, and bonuses for specialized roles within trauma centers can make a substantial difference in overall compensation for senior radiologic technologists in SD.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Brookings in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Brookings?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Brookings?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Brookings?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Brookings?
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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 $95,138 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Brookings 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 Brookings 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