MRI Technologist Pay

Pierre vs Sioux Falls: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Pierre, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pierre, SD
$87,432
$42.03/hr
Sioux Falls, SD
$79,308
$38.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPierre, SDSioux Falls, SD
Median Salary$87,432$79,308
Hourly Rate$42.03$38.13
Entry Level (P10)$63,651$53,733
25th Percentile$78,762$70,874
75th Percentile$96,091$87,311
Top Earner (P90)$112,005$100,062
Total Employed4120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pierre ($87,432) and Sioux Falls ($79,308) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.PierreSioux FallsMedian Salary$87,432$79,308Entry Level (P10)$63,651$53,733Top Earner (P90)$112,005$100,062US Median $100,283

Verdict

Pierre, SD offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux Falls.

The salary gap between Pierre and Sioux Falls is $8,124 (10.24%). Pierre's median is -12.81% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $48,354,Sioux Falls spans $46,329. Pierre has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Pierre
P10 (Entry)$63,651
P25$78,762
Median$87,432
P75$96,091
P90 (Top)$112,005
Sioux Falls
P10 (Entry)$53,733
P25$70,874
Median$79,308
P75$87,311
P90 (Top)$100,062

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pierre ($94,216 effective) pays 7.67% more than Sioux Falls ($87,506 effective).

Pierre
Nominal: $87,432
CoL Index: 92.8
Adjusted: $94,216
Sioux Falls
Nominal: $79,308
CoL Index: 90.631
Adjusted: $87,506

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pierre if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,432/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($112,005)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,216)
  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Choose Sioux Falls if…

  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Pierre grew 32.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.

Pierre, SD

+32.6%

$62,774 (2024) → $83,245 (2025)

Sioux Falls, SD

+27.3%

$59,320 (2019) → $75,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Pierre or Sioux Falls?

Pierre has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $87,432/year, compared to Sioux Falls at $79,308/year — a difference of $8,124 (10.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Sioux Falls?

Pierre magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.03/hr while Sioux Falls hygienists earn $38.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pierre to Sioux Falls as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pierre and Sioux Falls. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pierre = $94,216, Sioux Falls = $87,506), job availability (4 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Pierre vs Sioux Falls?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,651 in Pierre and $53,733 in Sioux Falls. The Pierre 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