MRI Technologist Pay

Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Franklin, WI: $69,703 (2026)

Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Franklin, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,703 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 93.47% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,628 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,043) within a few years of clinical practice.

$69,703
Starting Salary
$33.52/hr
Starting Hourly
$69,703
Entry Level
$90,043
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Entry Level Salary in Franklin, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Franklin, WI magnetic resonance imaging technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology in Franklin, WI, can expect starting salaries around $69,703 in 2026. This amount is notably lower than the city median of $90,043, indicating a significant gap for those at the entry level. However, with a career growth trajectory in mind, new MRI technologists can look forward to advancing to the 25th percentile salary of $76,927 within just a few years, ultimately reaching the median as they gain experience. Given the local demand for technologists with specialized skills and the overall projected 5.03% annual growth rate, Franklin presents a favorable market for new graduates eager to start their careers in this high-demand field.

About the Franklin Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$69,703/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$76,927/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$90,043/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$99,769/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Franklin. The median salary is $90,043, compared to the national median of $100,283.$62.7K$77.9K$93.0K$108.1K$123.2K$69.7K10th Pctl$76.9K25th Pctl$90.0KMedian$99.8K75th Pctl$117.3K90th PctlUS Median$100.3K

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Franklin, WI typically start between $69,703 and $76,927 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,638 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,04310.21% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in the Franklin metro area.

Return on Investment

$5,500
Avg WI Program Cost
$69,703
Starting Salary
7.89%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $5,500 represents just 7.89% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($69,703/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin

  • 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $69,703 to $76,927, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $47,638 ( 68.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,703, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,341.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$49,275

2025 BLS Actual

$66,365

2026 Current Est.

$69,703

2019–2027 Growth

+48.6%

Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Franklin (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Franklin. Baseline $49,275 in 2025, projected to $73,209 by 2027.$44.5K$52.9K$61.2K$69.6K$78.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$49.3K$50.9K$56.9K$58.3K$59.2K$56.7K$66.4K$69.7K$73.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$49,275Actual
2020$50,942Actual
2021$56,943Actual
2022$58,311Actual
2023$59,217Actual
2024$56,687Actual
2025$66,365Actual
2026(current)$69,703Estimated
2027$73,209Projected

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, WI grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,275 in 2019 to $66,365 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,209. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Franklin

In Franklin, several employers actively seek new graduates in the MRI profession. Major hospital systems tend to prefer experienced technologists but often invest in training through cross-training programs, making it beneficial for new graduates to pursue entry-level roles that offer training opportunities. Outpatient MRI facilities may provide additional incentives such as sign-on bonuses, making these positions attractive to new hires. Credentials can significantly enhance starting pay; obtaining ARRT registration in radiography (R) followed by the ARRT(MR) certification, or entering through the ARMRIT credential, will set candidates apart. For those aspiring to specialty roles in cardiac MRI or advanced imaging techniques, obtaining MR safety officer (MRSO) credentials grants competitive advantages. In the fast-evolving MRI landscape, entry-level technologists can anticipate salary growth as they gain expertise—targeting sub-specialties like cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI can further accelerate this progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Franklin in 2026?

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Franklin start at approximately $69,703/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.03% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $33.51/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Franklin?

Most magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Franklin progress from the entry-level salary of $69,703 to the area median of $90,043 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $117,341 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Franklin?

With a starting salary of $69,703/year in Franklin and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new magnetic resonance imaging technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Franklin?

New radiologic technology graduates in Franklin typically start near the 10th percentile at $69,703/year, or approximately $33.51/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wisconsin?

To become a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wisconsin, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is typically required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Wisconsin, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some magnetic resonance imaging technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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