Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Butte, MT: $66,514 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Butte, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,514 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Butte's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,141 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,754) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Butte presents favorable prospects for those entering the magnetic resonance imaging field, with starting salaries for new graduates projected around $66,514 in 2026. While this figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $93,754, it establishes a solid foundation for growth. Over the first few years, entry-level technologists can expect their earnings to rise as they gain experience, with potential salaries reaching approximately $81,331 at the 25th percentile and eventually approaching the median. Given the healthy growth rate of 5.03%, Butte appears to be a promising market for fresh graduates looking to kickstart their careers in MRI technology.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Butte
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 Butte
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Butte, MT typically start between $66,514 and $81,331 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,859 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,754 — 6.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Montana of $5,000 represents just 7.52% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($66,514/year) in Butte. 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 Butte
- 1Research the Butte market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $66,514 to $81,331, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Butte, 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 Butte for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Butte'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 Butte is $57,859 ( 86.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,514, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,373.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,021
2025 BLS Actual
$63,329
2026 Current Est.
$66,514
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,021 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,338 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,644 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,832 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,514 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,860 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Butte, MT grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,021 in 2019 to $63,329 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,860. New graduates entering the Butte job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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 Butte
For new grads, securing positions as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Butte often involves focusing on employers that are willing to invest in their development. Major hospital systems tend to prefer experienced technologists, making it essential for new graduates to consider outpatient MRI facilities or practices looking for pre-credentialed MRI techs, which sometimes offer sign-on bonuses. To enhance their marketability and starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in MT, new entrants should pursue further certifications, such as ARRT(MR) after obtaining their initial ARRT registration. It’s also valuable to stay informed about emerging specialties such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, which are expanding rapidly. Realistically, in the initial years, salaries can be expected to rise significantly as graduates adapt, networking within the local healthcare community, and continuing their education through professional organizations like SMRT, which can ultimately facilitate movement towards higher roles in the MRI field.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Butte?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Butte?
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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 Butte. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Butte 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