Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Spearfish, SD: $42.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Spearfish, SD runs $42.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,231 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Spearfish's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,545 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Spearfish, South Dakota, will earn a median hourly pay of $42.90, significantly lower than the national median of $48.21. This difference highlights the economic factors at play in smaller cities like Spearfish. For those working part-time in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or even in mobile MRI settings, this hourly rate translates into a meaningful income, particularly for individuals working three days a week. Entry-level positions may offer around $31.40 per hour, while experienced technologists can earn up to $52.58, reflecting a competitive landscape within the region. In this environment, MRI professionals can expect their earnings to fluctuate based on their experience, employer type, and hours worked, making it essential to understand the market dynamics of magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Spearfish, SD.
About the Spearfish 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) | $31.40 | $251.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.77 | $310.13 |
| Median (P50) | $42.90 | $343.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.68 | $365.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.58 | $420.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spearfish
Based on $42.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.90/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spearfish, SD can expect to earn approximately $89,242 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,486. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Spearfish.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spearfish
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,716.19 | $7,437 | $89,242 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,029.71 | $4,462 | $53,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $686.48 | $2,975 | $35,697 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Spearfish) | $42.90 |
| 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 Spearfish, SD earn a median of $89,231 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $93,046.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.90/hr = $53,545/year (purchasing power: $57,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,242/year (purchasing power: $96,166).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Spearfish grew 30.1% from $31.41/hr (2019) to $40.85/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.06/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 Spearfish 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 Spearfish
Considering the earning potential for part-time and per diem workers, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect to earn over $53,000 annually, a substantial amount compared to some full-time roles. Per diem workers typically see a different pay scale, where rates of $55 to $85 per hour are common, particularly for cardiac MRI specialists who can command even higher rates between $75 to $110. Travel contracts for MRI technologists also present lucrative opportunities, with weekly earnings ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 for standard assignments. However, employment with hospitals or outpatient centers often offers benefits that can offset lower hourly wages. When negotiating in Spearfish, MRI technologists should consider their unique circumstances, assessing whether stable employment or higher hourly wages without benefits aligns better with their financial goals and personal needs. Understanding these aspects of the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly rate in SD can provide valuable insight for current and aspiring professionals.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Spearfish in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Spearfish?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Spearfish paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Spearfish?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Spearfish?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Spearfish. 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 Spearfish 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