Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $42.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Pierre, SD runs $42.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,457 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $42.03 in 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This discrepancy highlights the localized economic factors at play, making part-time work appealing for those seeking flexibility. For instance, a technologist working a typical schedule of three days a week could earn approximately $1,345 weekly or about $69,940 annually, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic. The hourly pay range for MRI techs in Pierre spans from $30.61 for entry-level positions to $53.85 for top earners within specialized environments, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile units. These figures illustrate the potential for growth and earning opportunity within this specialized field.
About the Pierre 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) | $30.61 | $244.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.86 | $302.91 |
| Median (P50) | $42.03 | $336.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.20 | $369.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.85 | $430.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $42.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.03/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $87,429 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,440. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,681.32 | $7,286 | $87,429 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,008.79 | $4,371 | $52,457 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.53 | $2,914 | $34,971 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Pierre) | $42.03 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $87,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $93,013.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.03/hr = $52,457/year (purchasing power: $56,527).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,429/year (purchasing power: $94,212).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pierre grew 30.1% from $30.77/hr (2019) to $40.02/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.15/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Looking closer at the earning avenues for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, those considering part-time work or per-diem options may find a different financial outlook compared to full-time positions. While the hourly rate for full-time workers averages around $42.03, per-diem positions often command higher rates, usually billing between $55 and $85 per hour. Specialized roles, such as cardiac MRI, could yield even higher pay, reaching $75-$110 hourly. Travel contracts further enhance earnings, with weekly compensation as high as $3,400 for cardiac MRI techs. With diverse work settings in Pierre, from hospital imaging departments to private outpatient facilities and mobile services, pay scales vary significantly. Some technologists may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits, such as healthcare coverage, while others prefer the flexibility and higher pay at the expense of stability. Negotiation skills play a vital role, as understanding local market rates and emphasizing specialized certifications can help secure a more favorable hourly pay in this growing field.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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