Radiologic Technologist in Michigan: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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Michigan employs 7,220 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $76,420 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Michigan licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Michigan (May 2025)
- Michigan median pay
- $76,420 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $55,450
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,700
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,250
- Employed in Michigan
- 7,220
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Michigan markets:
- Ann Arbor
- $80,450 (680 employed)
- Lansing
- $78,590 (340 employed)
- Kalamazoo
- $78,140 (210 employed)
- Detroit
- $77,530 (3,150 employed)
- Grand Rapids
- $77,360 (860 employed)
- Flint
- $68,460 (200 employed)
- Saginaw
- $68,030 (160 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Michigan
Prices in Michigan run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $76,420 median stretches to roughly $79,439 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Michigan (2024–2034)
Michigan is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +6.5%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 440 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Michigan License and Certification Requirements
ARRT Radiography (R) certification — no state license — regulated by the No Michigan state license required — ARRT certification is the standard.
- Michigan does not require a state radiologic technologist license — ARRT certification is what employers use as the hiring standard.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree at a Michigan community college).
- Pass the ARRT Radiography examination after graduation. Maintain ARRT certification with 24 continuing education credits every 2 years.
Official requirements: No Michigan state license required — ARRT certification is the standard →
Training in Michigan
JRCERT-accredited programs in Michigan include those at Delta College, Henry Ford College, Kellogg Community College, Lansing Community College, and Lake Michigan College. Large health systems like Henry Ford Health, Beaumont, Spectrum Health, and Sparrow hire RT graduates across the state.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Michigan include:
- Abcott Institute — Certificate
- Adrian College — Bachelor's
- Albion College — Bachelor's
- Alma College — Bachelor's
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Michigan
Real Michigan hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Battle Creek VA Medical Center — Battle Creek
- Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Butterworth — Grand Rapids
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospit — Royal Oak
- Sinai-Grace Hospital — Detroit
- Henry Ford Health Hospital — Detroit
- University of Michigan Health — Ann Arbor
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want healthcare without becoming a nurse or physician.
Think twice if: You dislike hospitals, patient contact, standing, or precise technical routines.
Why it's resilient: Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
First Steps
Find accredited radiography programs and compare clinical placement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists make in Michigan?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Michigan is $76,420 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $55,450, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,250. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Michigan?
ARRT Radiography (R) certification — no state license, overseen by the No Michigan state license required — ARRT certification is the standard. Michigan does not require a state radiologic technologist license — ARRT certification is what employers use as the hiring standard.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Michigan?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Michigan metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Michigan metro areas, Ann Arbor leads at $80,450, followed by Lansing ($78,590), Kalamazoo ($78,140). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Radiologic Technologist in Michigan?
Real Michigan options include Abcott Institute, Adrian College, Albion College. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Michigan?
Michigan projects radiologic technologists employment to change +6.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 440 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Michigan statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No Michigan state license required — ARRT certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Michigan wages · Michigan licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.