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 93.4 — 7% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Franklin
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 $90,043 — 10.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,943 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,311 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,217 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,687 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,365 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,703 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,209 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 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.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Franklin in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Franklin?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Franklin?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Franklin?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wisconsin?
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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 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).
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