Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $69,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,663 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,099 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,698) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Idaho Falls can lead to a promising entry-level salary of approximately $69,663 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the overall median annual salary of $96,698 for technologists in the area, indicating a significant gap for new graduates entering the field. However, with a solid growth trajectory, new techs can expect their earnings to rise strategically over the course of their first few years—moving from the entry-level figure towards the P25 salary of $81,271 and potentially reaching the median. Given the area's relatively low cost of living and the ongoing demand for skilled MRI technologists, Idaho Falls presents a reasonable market for recent graduates aiming for a foothold in a specialty that ranks among the highest in the radiologic technology field.
About the Idaho Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Idaho Falls
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $69,663 and $81,271 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,340 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,698 — 3.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Idaho of $5,000 represents just 7.18% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($69,663/year) in Idaho Falls. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.
MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $69,663 to $81,271, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Idaho Falls, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in Idaho Falls is $60,340 ( 86.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,663, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,003.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,247
2025 BLS Actual
$66,327
2026 Current Est.
$69,663
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,247 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,283 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,167 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,247 in 2019 to $66,327 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,167. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Idaho Falls
In Idaho Falls, healthcare employers typically seek established professionals for advanced MRI roles, but there are still opportunities for entry-level candidates. Local hospital systems often prefer to hire experienced radiologic technologists and provide in-house training for MRI procedures. Conversely, outpatient MRI facilities may be more open to hiring new graduates, particularly if they come equipped with credentials like ARRT registration in radiography (R) and ARRT(MR) certification. For those deeply interested in the growing cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI subspecialties, pursuing the ARMRIT credential and considering additional qualifications, such as MR safety officer (MRSO) certification, could further boost earning potential early in one's career. Given the market dynamics, a realistic expectation for salary growth during the first three years may range between moderate increases, positioning new graduates favorably as they gain experience and expertise in this expanding field.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Idaho Falls in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Idaho Falls?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Idaho Falls?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Idaho Falls?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Idaho?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Idaho Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Idaho Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
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