MRI Technologist Pay

Billings vs Bozeman: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Billings, MT and Bozeman, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Billings, MT
$88,236
$42.42/hr
Bozeman, MT
$94,930
$45.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBillings, MTBozeman, MT
Median Salary$88,236$94,930
Hourly Rate$42.42$45.64
Entry Level (P10)$83,709$71,622
25th Percentile$83,709$82,283
75th Percentile$104,935$103,436
Top Earner (P90)$105,849$131,545
Total Employed4014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Billings ($88,236) and Bozeman ($94,930) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BillingsBozemanMedian Salary$88,236$94,930Entry Level (P10)$83,709$71,622Top Earner (P90)$105,849$131,545US Median $100,283

Verdict

Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.

The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $6,694 (7.59%). Bozeman's median is -5.34% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $22,140,Bozeman spans $59,923. Bozeman has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Billings
P10 (Entry)$83,709
P25$83,709
Median$88,236
P75$104,935
P90 (Top)$105,849
Bozeman
P10 (Entry)$71,622
P25$82,283
Median$94,930
P75$103,436
P90 (Top)$131,545

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($98,680 effective) pays 4.60% more than Billings ($94,344 effective).

Billings
Nominal: $88,236
CoL Index: 93.526
Adjusted: $94,344
Bozeman
Nominal: $94,930
CoL Index: 96.2
Adjusted: $98,680

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Billings if…

  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Choose Bozeman if…

  • Higher median salary ($94,930/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($131,545)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,680)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Billings grew 15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Bozeman over the same period.

Billings, MT

+15.5%

$72,730 (2019) → $84,010 (2025)

Bozeman, MT

+22.4%

$73,837 (2024) → $90,384 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Billings or Bozeman?

Bozeman has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $94,930/year, compared to Billings at $88,236/year — a difference of $6,694 (7.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Bozeman?

Billings magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.42/hr while Bozeman hygienists earn $45.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Billings to Bozeman as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Billings and Bozeman. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Billings = $94,344, Bozeman = $98,680), job availability (40 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Billings vs Bozeman?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $83,709 in Billings and $71,622 in Bozeman. The Billings area offers higher starting salaries.
CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% 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 Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov