Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Bismarck, ND: $87,380 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Bismarck, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,380/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Bismarck's price premium (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,997 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
A career as an experienced radiologic technologist or technician in Bismarck, ND, brings significant financial rewards, particularly for those who reach the top of the salary scale. With a projected top-tier salary of $87,380 for 2026, professionals in this role can significantly surpass the median income of $68,786, emphasizing the financial benefits associated with advanced experience and specialization. This income potential not only reflects the increasing demand for skilled radiologic professionals in the region but also mirrors the competitive climate seen nationally, where top earners average around $84,348. Achieving such a salary requires a commitment to professional development, including obtaining advanced credentials and cross-training in high-demand modalities like CT and MRI, positioning these professionals for heightened earning opportunities within the Bismarck market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Bismarck earn between $85,569 and $87,380 per year (2026 est.). This $22,774 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bismarck median of $68,786 sits 18.45% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Bismarck | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,786 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,569 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,380 | $124,937 |
In Bismarck, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 27.03% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay in Bismarck
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $68,786 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bismarck employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Bismarck command premium compensation, often reaching the $85,569–$87,380 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bismarck metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologic technologists and technicians in Bismarck with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in North Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Bismarck
Clinical Radiologic Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologic Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsRadiologic Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBismarck ranks #7 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $87,380).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Bismarck ($87,380) is 6.3% below the North Dakota average P90 ($93,253).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,940
2025 BLS Actual
$82,990
2026 Current Est.
$87,380
2019–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,380 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,003 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Bismarck saw their compensation grow 15.4% from $71,940 in 2019 to $82,990 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.29% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $92,003 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Radiologic Technologist and Technician Earnings in Bismarck
Compensation for senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Bismarck varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Those focusing on high-demand areas such as CT, MRI, and mammography stand to enhance their earning potential, with competitive pay packages often only available to those with ARRT certifications. Employers such as hospital imaging departments typically offer different pay structures compared to outpatient centers or mobile X-ray companies, reflecting the complexity and urgency of the services provided. Senior professionals can pursue advancement into roles like lead technologist or modality supervisor, further driving their pay upwards. Additionally, educational credentials from accredited institutions and multiple ARRT modality certifications can make a notable impact on salaries, as does the opportunity for cross-training across various imaging modalities. Non-salary compensation also plays an important role, with benefits stemming from shift differentials, call coverage, and increased earnings for those willing to take on mobile assignments.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Bismarck in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Bismarck?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Bismarck?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Bismarck?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Bismarck?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $82,990 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Bismarck metro area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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