Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Great Falls, MT: $46.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Great Falls, MT runs $46.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Great Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,727 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Great Falls, Montana, stands at a median rate of $46.26. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $48.21, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living factors. For part-time workers in settings like hospital MRI suites or outpatient imaging centers, this hourly pay translates to an appealing schedule, with those working three days a week potentially earning a stable income while maintaining flexible time off. The hourly range spans from $32.06 for entry-level positions to as high as $63.77 for experienced technologists. This broad spectrum allows for varying career trajectories, whether in mobile MRI units, orthopedic practices, or specialized breast imaging centers. It's noteworthy that these rates are estimated based on annual salary data, providing insight into how hourly pay might fluctuate with experience and facility types.
About the Great Falls 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) | $32.06 | $256.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.06 | $304.50 |
| Median (P50) | $46.26 | $370.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.87 | $422.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.77 | $510.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Great Falls
Based on $46.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.26/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Great Falls, MT can expect to earn approximately $96,211 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,506. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Great Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Great Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,850.21 | $8,018 | $96,211 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,110.13 | $4,811 | $57,727 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $740.08 | $3,207 | $38,484 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Great Falls) | $46.26 |
| 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 Great Falls, MT earn a median of $96,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% below the Montana state average of $96,503.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.26/hr = $57,727/year (purchasing power: $60,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,211/year (purchasing power: $100,011).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Great Falls grew 30.1% from $33.86/hr (2019) to $44.04/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.58/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Great Falls
For a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working just three days a week, the annual earnings can be quite different compared to full-time positions. A 24-hour work week at the hourly median can equate to around $57,000 a year, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem positions are another route some technologists choose for flexibility, with rates frequently ranging between $55 and $85 per hour; specialty cardiac MRI roles can escalate to $75 to $110 per hour. Employer types also influence pay rates, with hospitals potentially offering a structured benefits package, while outpatient centers and travel agencies might provide higher hourly wages without additional perks. Some technologists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability. When negotiating pay, remember that demonstrating expertise, especially in high-demand areas like cardiac imaging and utilizing advanced 3T scanners, can give candidates leverage. Understanding how your skills match the needs of local employers can lead to more favorable offers.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Great Falls in 2026?
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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 Great Falls. 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 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