Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $68,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,587 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,434 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,578) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Graduates entering the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) field in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $68,587 in 2026. This amount represents a significant gap compared to the overall city median salary of $89,578, indicating that initial pay for new technicians may be lower than the average for experienced professionals. However, these starting figures can rise as entry-level technologists gain experience, with many seeing increases that may elevate their salaries to approximately $77,962 or beyond within the first few years. Given the projected 5.03% annual growth rate for this profession, Manitowoc presents a reasonable market for new graduates, especially considering the promising demand for skilled MRI technicians in the broader healthcare landscape.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $68,587 and $77,962 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,480 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,578 — 10.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Wisconsin of $5,500 represents just 8.02% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($68,587/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $68,587 to $77,962, 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 Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $47,480 ( 69.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,587, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,067.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,486
2025 BLS Actual
$65,302
2026 Current Est.
$68,587
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,486 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,126 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,791 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,302 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,037 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,486 in 2019 to $65,302 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,037. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Employers in Manitowoc that hire new graduates often include local hospital systems that prefer experienced radiologic technologists and provide opportunities to cross-train in MRI. Outpatient imaging facilities may also be attractive options, typically welcoming pre-credentialed MRI technologists and sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to incentivize applicants. For those interested in more specialized roles, cardiac MRI positions might require additional training and credentials, such as ARRT registration in radiography and the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification. In the first three years, an ambitious strategy for entry-level MRI technologists could involve pursuing further education and certifications, enhancing their value, especially in subfields like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, which are rapidly expanding. As the demand for MRI technology increases, realistic salary growth for early-career professionals could see them advance steadily beyond their initial pay, positioning themselves well in a lucrative and critical healthcare niche.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Manitowoc?
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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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