Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in De Pere, WI: $66,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the De Pere, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,809 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out De Pere's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,530 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,962) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates pursuing a career as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in De Pere, Wisconsin, the 2026 entry-level salary starts around $66,809. This figure generally represents a realistic baseline for those just entering the workforce, particularly when compared to the median annual salary of $91,962 in the area. Over the first few years, as new technologists gain experience, they can anticipate gradual pay increases, reaching around $77,375 at the 25th percentile, with further growth towards the median within their first three to five years. Given its proximity to larger healthcare systems, De Pere provides a promising market for recent graduates to begin their careers in MRI technology.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in De Pere
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in De Pere, WI typically start between $66,809 and $77,375 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,107 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,962 — 8.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $5,500 represents just 8.23% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($66,809/year) in De Pere. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.
MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in De Pere
- 1Research the De Pere market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $66,809 to $77,375, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in De Pere, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in De Pere for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5De Pere's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in De Pere is $48,107 ( 72.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,809, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,916.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,229
2025 BLS Actual
$63,609
2026 Current Est.
$66,809
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,229 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,826 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,169 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in De Pere, WI grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,229 in 2019 to $63,609 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,169. New graduates entering the De Pere job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in De Pere
Employment opportunities for new grad magnetic resonance imaging technologists in De Pere primarily lie within hospital systems and outpatient imaging centers. Many hospitals may prefer experienced technologists but are also willing to cross-train applicants with radiography backgrounds, investing in them through on-the-job training. Outpatient chains often seek pre-credentialed MRI techs and sometimes offer signing bonuses to attract talent. Credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography and the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification are invaluable for increasing starting pay and job prospects in Wisconsin. Career advancement strategies should focus on obtaining additional qualifications like the MRSO certification, which is beneficial for senior roles. The demand for MRI specialists, especially in cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, illustrates the potential for salary growth during the first three years in this specific market, reflecting the high value placed on specialized skills within radiologic technology.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in De Pere in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in De Pere?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in De Pere?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in De Pere?
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Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)
Career Analyst
Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in De Pere. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere 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 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov