Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Butte, MT: $45.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Butte, MT runs $45.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Butte's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,258 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Butte, Montana, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $45.08, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This rate is especially relevant for those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities. Typically, those working three days a week could see substantial income, providing a flexible schedule while earning a competitive wage. Entry-level technicians might earn around $31.98 per hour, while those at the highest end of the scale can reach approximately $59.79 per hour. The hourly earnings here are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting the competitive nature of this profession within various settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging units in the area.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.98 | $255.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.10 | $312.82 |
| Median (P50) | $45.08 | $360.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.45 | $403.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.79 | $478.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Butte
Based on $45.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.08/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Butte, MT can expect to earn approximately $93,764 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,095. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Butte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Butte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,803.16 | $7,814 | $93,764 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,081.89 | $4,688 | $56,258 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $721.26 | $3,125 | $37,506 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Butte) | $45.08 |
| 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 Butte, MT earn a median of $93,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $96,455.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.08/hr = $56,258/year (purchasing power: $58,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,764/year (purchasing power: $97,468).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Butte grew 30.1% from $33.00/hr (2019) to $42.92/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.35/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Butte
For part-time workers, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist putting in 24 hours a week can expect an annual take-home of around $56,217, compared to a full-time salary, which can exceed $93,754. The appeal of per diem positions is significant, as many MRI technologists who work in this way can command rates between $55 to $85 per hour, especially for specialized services like cardiac MRI, which can range from $75 to $110 per hour. Additionally, those accepting travel contracts often find lucrative pay averaging $2,200 to $3,400 per week, depending on the assignment. Moreover, the varying hourly rates between different types of employers in Butte—ranging from hospitals to freestanding imaging centers—highlight the importance of considering benefits. Some technologists may opt for slightly lower hourly rates with benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly pays without those perks. Negotiating effectively, especially tailored for Butte's job market dynamics, can enhance overall compensation and job satisfaction in this vital healthcare role.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Butte in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Butte?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Butte paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Butte?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time 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
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 Butte. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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