Radiography Tech Salary

Middleton vs Milwaukee: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Middleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middleton, WI
$75,414
$36.26/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$84,422
$40.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddleton, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$75,414$84,422
Hourly Rate$36.26$40.59
Entry Level (P10)$57,454$66,838
25th Percentile$63,357$74,882
75th Percentile$91,782$96,382
Top Earner (P90)$107,152$106,575
Total Employed61,610
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middleton ($75,414) and Milwaukee ($84,422) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.MiddletonMilwaukeeMedian Salary$75,414$84,422Entry Level (P10)$57,454$66,838Top Earner (P90)$107,152$106,575US Median $84,348

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.

The salary gap between Middleton and Milwaukee is $9,008 (11.94%). Milwaukee's median is +0.09% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middleton spans $49,698,Milwaukee spans $39,737. Middleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Middleton
P10 (Entry)$57,454
P25$63,357
Median$75,414
P75$91,782
P90 (Top)$107,152
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$66,838
P25$74,882
Median$84,422
P75$96,382
P90 (Top)$106,575

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($87,090 effective) pays 7.86% more than Middleton ($80,743 effective).

Middleton
Nominal: $75,414
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $80,743
Milwaukee
Nominal: $84,422
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $87,090

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middleton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($107,152)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,422/year)
  • Larger job market (1,610 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,090)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Middleton grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Middleton, WI

+18.5%

$60,447 (2024) → $71,625 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+30.9%

$61,240 (2019) → $80,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Middleton or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $84,422/year, compared to Middleton at $75,414/year — a difference of $9,008 (11.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middleton and Milwaukee?

Middleton radiologic technologist and technicians earn $36.26/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $40.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middleton to Milwaukee as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middleton and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middleton = $80,743, Milwaukee = $87,090), job availability (6 vs 1,610 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Middleton vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $57,454 in Middleton and $66,838 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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