Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Brookings, SD: $41.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Brookings, SD runs $41.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,977 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Brookings's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,592 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $41.34 for the year 2026. This figure stands in contrast to the national hourly median of $48.21, indicating that MRI techs in Brookings earn about 14.27% less than their counterparts nationwide. For part-time or per-diem workers—who might operate in a variety of settings, including state hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers—this hourly rate can influence their overall take-home pay significantly. The range of hourly pay extends from $32.44 for entry-level positions up to $51.66 for the most experienced technologists, reflecting the diverse expertise and specialization within the field, especially as demand for advanced imaging techniques continues to rise.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.44 | $259.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.38 | $291.06 |
| Median (P50) | $41.34 | $330.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.63 | $357.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.66 | $413.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookings
Based on $41.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.34/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookings, SD can expect to earn approximately $85,987 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,608. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brookings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,653.59 | $7,166 | $85,987 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.16 | $4,299 | $51,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.44 | $2,866 | $34,395 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Brookings) | $41.34 |
| 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 Brookings, SD earn a median of $85,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.27% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $93,048.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.34/hr = $51,592/year (purchasing power: $55,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,987/year (purchasing power: $92,658).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Brookings grew 30.1% from $30.26/hr (2019) to $39.36/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.42/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 Brookings 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 Brookings
For those magnetic resonance imaging technologists choosing part-time employment at three days a week, the annual earnings could amount to around $51,189, considerably lower than what a full-time technologist might earn. Per diem opportunities allow for potentially higher earnings, with some techs billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, particularly in specialized cardiac imaging roles, which can demand rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Employers in Brookings vary—hospital departments and outpatient centers often offer consistent work, while travel MRI techs can benefit from contracts that deliver weekly pay between $2,200 and $3,400. While hourly pay is appealing, many professionals accept lower rates for positions that offer health benefits, presenting a trade-off that each technologist must consider based on their personal circumstances. Negotiation can be key in this field; highlighting qualifications or particular skills alongside the demand for specific imaging subspecialties may provide leverage when discussing pay rates with employers.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Brookings in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Brookings?
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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 Brookings. 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 Brookings 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