MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Bozeman, MT
$94,930
$45.64/hr
Kalispell, MT
$92,117
$44.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBozeman, MTKalispell, MT
Median Salary$94,930$92,117
Hourly Rate$45.64$44.29
Entry Level (P10)$71,622$69,219
25th Percentile$82,283$79,141
75th Percentile$103,436$97,630
Top Earner (P90)$131,545$112,173
Total Employed144
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bozeman ($94,930) and Kalispell ($92,117) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BozemanKalispellMedian Salary$94,930$92,117Entry Level (P10)$71,622$69,219Top Earner (P90)$131,545$112,173US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Bozeman and Kalispell is $2,813 (3.05%). 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 Bozeman spans $59,923,Kalispell spans $42,954. Bozeman has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bozeman
P10 (Entry)$71,622
P25$82,283
Median$94,930
P75$103,436
P90 (Top)$131,545
Kalispell
P10 (Entry)$69,219
P25$79,141
Median$92,117
P75$97,630
P90 (Top)$112,173

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($98,680 effective) pays 3.05% more than Kalispell ($95,756 effective).

Bozeman
Nominal: $94,930
CoL Index: 96.2
Adjusted: $98,680
Kalispell
Nominal: $92,117
CoL Index: 96.2
Adjusted: $95,756

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bozeman if…

  • Higher median salary ($94,930/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($131,545)
  • Larger job market (14 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,680)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Choose Kalispell if…

  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Bozeman grew 22.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Kalispell over the same period.

Bozeman, MT

+22.4%

$73,837 (2024) → $90,384 (2025)

Kalispell, MT

+22.4%

$71,648 (2024) → $87,705 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bozeman has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $94,930/year, compared to Kalispell at $92,117/year — a difference of $2,813 (3.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Kalispell?

Bozeman magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $45.64/hr while Kalispell hygienists earn $44.29/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bozeman and Kalispell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bozeman = $98,680, Kalispell = $95,756), job availability (14 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $71,622 in Bozeman and $69,219 in Kalispell. The Bozeman 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