Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kalispell, MT: $44.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kalispell, MT runs $44.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,117 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kalispell's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,275 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $44.29 in 2026. This rate falls short of the national hourly median of $48.21, positioning local professionals slightly below the national standard. For those working part-time, such as a 24-hour week across three days, this translates to a competitive income while allowing for flexibility. Settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and on-site orthopedic MRI rooms often encompass a variety of pay scales, with entry-level positions starting around $33.27. Experienced technologists or those in specialized areas like cardiac MRI can earn significantly more, reaching up to $53.93 per hour. These hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salaries but are indicative of the earning potential in Kalispell's local imaging landscape.
About the Kalispell 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) | $33.27 | $266.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.05 | $304.42 |
| Median (P50) | $44.29 | $354.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.94 | $375.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.93 | $431.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalispell
Based on $44.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.29/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalispell, MT can expect to earn approximately $92,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,149. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalispell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalispell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,771.65 | $7,677 | $92,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,062.99 | $4,606 | $55,275 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $708.66 | $3,071 | $36,850 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kalispell) | $44.29 |
| 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 Kalispell, MT earn a median of $92,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $96,457.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.29/hr = $55,275/year (purchasing power: $57,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,126/year (purchasing power: $95,765).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kalispell grew 30.1% from $32.42/hr (2019) to $42.17/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.52/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 Kalispell 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 Kalispell
A consideration for magnetic resonance imaging technologists working part-time or on a per-diem basis is the potential difference in annual earnings. A 3-day workweek could yield around $69,219 annually, allowing for a desirable work-life balance compared to full-time positions. Per diem MRI technologists, however, have opportunities to command higher rates—often billing between $55 to $85 per hour, specific to their assignment types, including cardiac MRI, which can range from $75 to $110. Employers in Kalispell, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI services, typically offer various remuneration options that influence hourly compensation rates. Technologists may accept lower hourly wages for full-time work to gain benefits like health insurance, while those opting for higher hourly rates often sacrifice these perks. Negotiating for pay in local settings may revolve around expertise, specialization, and the ability to take on various shifts, particularly as the demand for skilled MRI professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kalispell in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kalispell?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kalispell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Kalispell?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kalispell?
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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 Kalispell. 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 Kalispell 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