Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lewiston, ID: $71,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Lewiston, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,192 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lewiston's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,703 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,904) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, individuals starting their careers as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lewiston, Idaho, can expect a starting salary around $71,192, which is below the city’s median annual salary of $91,904. This gap illustrates that entry-level positions might initially offer lower pay compared to more experienced roles, but opportunities for growth exist. As new graduates transition from this entry-level pay into their first few years of experience, they can expect to move toward the 25th percentile, with a projected salary of $80,595. Lewiston currently presents a favorable job market for fresh graduates equipped with the necessary credentials, as the demand for qualified MRI technologists remains high, bolstering the potential for salary increases as they build experience in this specialized field.
About the Lewiston Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lewiston
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 Lewiston
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lewiston, ID typically start between $71,192 and $80,595 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,859 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,904 — 8.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Idaho of $5,000 represents just 7.02% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($71,192/year) in Lewiston. 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 Lewiston
- 1Research the Lewiston market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $71,192 to $80,595, 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 Lewiston, 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 Lewiston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lewiston'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 Lewiston is $48,859 ( 68.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,192, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,051.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,328
2025 BLS Actual
$67,783
2026 Current Est.
$71,192
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,482 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,783 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,773 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lewiston, ID grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,328 in 2019 to $67,783 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,773. New graduates entering the Lewiston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lewiston 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 Lewiston
New graduates looking for entry-level positions in magnetic resonance imaging will find various employer options in Lewiston. Local hospital systems often prefer hiring those who have undergone cross-training, allowing them to integrate new entrants into their teams while investing in their development. Conversely, outpatient MRI facilities frequently seek pre-credentialed MRI techs, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to attract talent. To enhance starting pay, aspiring technologists should aim to secure ARRT registration in radiography (R) alongside ARRT(MR) post-primary certification or seek direct entry through the ARMRIT credential. In the first three years, technologists can realistically anticipate steady salary growth due to the high demand for specialists in cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI. With advanced 3T and almost universal 7T scanner integrations in many institutions, leveraging these opportunities is key for career advancement and increased earnings in Lewiston, ID.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lewiston in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Lewiston?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Lewiston?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Lewiston?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Idaho?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Idaho
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 Lewiston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lewiston 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