Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $42.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Billings, MT runs $42.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,236 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,942 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Billings, Montana, earn a median hourly rate of $42.42 as of 2026, which is lower than the national median of $48.21. This gap highlights the unique economic landscape in Billings, where many professionals find themselves working in diverse settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI units. For part-time technologists working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a consistent income, allowing them to enjoy flexible schedules and a balance with personal commitments. Entry-level MRI techs can expect to start around $40.25 per hour, while experienced professionals may earn as much as $50.89 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data illustrates the range of pay opportunities available for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the area.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.25 | $321.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.25 | $321.98 |
| Median (P50) | $42.42 | $339.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.45 | $403.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.89 | $407.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $42.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.42/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $88,237 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,906. With a cost-of-living index of 93.53 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,696.86 | $7,353 | $88,237 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.12 | $4,412 | $52,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.75 | $2,941 | $35,295 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Billings) | $42.42 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Billings, MT earn a median of $88,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.01% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 8.50% below the Montana state average of $96,432.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.42/hr = $52,942/year (purchasing power: $56,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,237/year (purchasing power: $94,345).
CoL index: 93.526 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Billings grew 15.5% from $34.96/hr (2019) to $40.39/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.56/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Billings
Examining part-time earnings closely, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week would generate an approximate annual income of $52,972, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. As per-diem work becomes increasingly attractive, many technologists are finding that they can earn between $55 and $85 per hour on a contract basis, with specialized roles like cardiac MRI fetching even higher rates of $75 to $110. Additionally, travel MRI positions can offer lucrative contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. Rates can vary widely based on the employer type, with hospitals typically providing health insurance but lower hourly rates compared to outpatient centers or agency work where benefits are absent. This dynamic creates trade-offs for technologists, and negotiation skills remain pivotal. Those in Billings must decide between stability with insurance benefits and potentially higher hourly pay without added job security, making the local context a vital consideration for HVAC technologists in their career paths.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Billings. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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