Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $66,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,667 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,300 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,214) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging in Great Falls, Montana, the starting pay presents an enticing opportunity with a projected salary of $66,667 in 2026. While this figure is significantly below the city median of $96,214, it sets a foundation for growth as new technologists can expect to reach around $79,174 within the first few years of work. This progression highlights a promising trajectory in income as entry-level professionals gain experience and skills. The Great Falls job market remains favorable for aspiring MRI technologists, thanks to an increasing demand within the healthcare sector, positioning new graduates for upward mobility relatively quickly in their careers.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great 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 Great Falls
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Great Falls, MT typically start between $66,667 and $79,174 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,979 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,214 — 4.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Montana of $5,000 represents just 7.50% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($66,667/year) in Great 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $66,667 to $79,174, 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 Great 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great 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 Great Falls is $65,979 ( 98.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,667, experienced hygienists can earn up to $132,646.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,129
2025 BLS Actual
$63,474
2026 Current Est.
$66,667
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,129 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,463 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,771 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,637 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,020 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,129 in 2019 to $63,474 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,020. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great 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 Great Falls
Several local employers are keen to bring on recent graduates, particularly in hospitals that may prefer cross-training radiologic technologists into MRI roles. Outpatient MRI facilities often seek pre-credentialed candidates and may even offer sign-on bonuses to attract talent. To enhance their starting pay in Montana, new technologists should consider obtaining additional credentials—such as the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification or the ARMRIT credential. Notably, advancements in the field include specialty areas like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, which are expanding vigorously. Understanding this context is key for new professionals; a well-planned career strategy focusing on additional certifications and emerging subspecialties can lead to substantial salary improvements over the first few years of their careers. Given that MRI tech pay ranks among the highest in radiologic technology, those early years in Great Falls could set the stage for a lucrative career.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Great Falls in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Great Falls?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Great Falls?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Great Falls?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Montana?
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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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great 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