Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $53,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Sioux Falls, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,733 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 90.6 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,288 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,308) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the magnetic resonance imaging field in Sioux Falls, SD, the starting annual salary is approximately $53,733 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $79,308. This gap indicates that while entry-level positions may seem modest, there is potential for growth as one gains experience and enhances qualifications. New graduates typically can expect a reasonable trajectory, with salaries potentially increasing to around $70,874 as they establish their careers. Given the steady annual growth rate of 5.03% projected for this occupation, Sioux Falls offers a viable market for recent graduates eager to embark on their medical imaging careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux 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 Sioux Falls
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sioux Falls, SD typically start between $53,733 and $70,874 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,329 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,308 — 20.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in South Dakota of $5,000 represents just 9.31% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($53,733/year) in Sioux 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 Sioux Falls
- 1Research the Sioux Falls market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $53,733 to $70,874, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sioux 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 Sioux Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux Falls's below-average 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 Sioux Falls is $46,329 ( 86.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,733, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,062.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,250
2025 BLS Actual
$51,160
2026 Current Est.
$53,733
2019–2027 Growth
+12.3%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,436 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux Falls, SD grew 1.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,250 in 2019 to $51,160 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,436. New graduates entering the Sioux Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux 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 Sioux Falls
Employers in Sioux Falls, including hospitals and outpatient imaging centers, often seek entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists. Larger hospital systems may prefer experienced candidates but frequently cross-train rad techs to specialize in MRI, signifying an investment in their workforce. Meanwhile, outpatient chains often recruit pre-credentialed MRI technologists, and specialty roles like cardiac MRI typically require a stronger academic background. For new graduates aiming to boost their earning potential, pursuing additional credentials such as ARRT registration for radiography and post-primary certification in MRI is beneficial. Engaging with professional organizations like SMRT can provide access to valuable resources and networking opportunities. Career strategists recommend that those in their first few years remain adaptable, as the demand for complex imaging specialties, such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, creates avenues for advancement, ensuring that starting salaries can increase notably as new technologists expand their skill sets.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sioux Falls in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Sioux Falls?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Sioux Falls?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Sioux Falls?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in South Dakota?
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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 Sioux Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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