Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $43.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Watertown, SD runs $43.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,483 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,689 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $43.02, which is below the national median of $48.21. This difference implies that those working in part-time capacities—such as three days a week—could earn a significant yet variable income based on their schedule. For example, a typical part-time MRI technologist at this rate would accumulate approximately $33,063 annually if working about 24 hours a week. The hourly range for this profession in Watertown stretches from around $33.03 for entry-level positions (P10) to $54.44 for top earners (P90), reflecting the demand and skill variations within various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized facilities. Such estimates are drawn from annual salary projections rather than direct hourly comparisons.
About the Watertown 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) | $33.03 | $264.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.34 | $298.71 |
| Median (P50) | $43.02 | $344.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.86 | $374.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.44 | $435.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $43.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.02/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $89,482 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,624. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,720.81 | $7,457 | $89,482 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,032.49 | $4,474 | $53,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.32 | $2,983 | $35,793 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Watertown) | $43.02 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $89,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $93,018.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.02/hr = $53,689/year (purchasing power: $57,855).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,482/year (purchasing power: $96,425).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown grew 30.1% from $31.49/hr (2019) to $40.96/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.18/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Exploring the dynamics of pay in this field, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Watertown can vary widely, with many earning upwards of $55 to $85 per hour, depending on demand and specialty, particularly in cardiac imaging. For those opting for full-time roles, the difference can be substantial; while part-time workers earn about $33,063 annually, full-time technologists can make closer to $89,483 if they work 40 hours a week. However, part-time positions can provide desirable flexibility, appealing to those balancing other roles or personal commitments. Local competition among employers such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging services may influence hourly rates, where benefits often drive negotiable terms. Technologists might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and retirement plans, which could tip the scale in favor of stability over immediate hourly compensation. For those considering negotiations, emphasizing essential skills and certifications in MR technologies could lead to favorable pay adjustments in Watertown's specialized imaging market.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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