Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Billings, MT: $88,236 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Billings, MT earns a median $88,236/year (≈ $42.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Billings's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.5), that paycheck buys what $94,344 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% below the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Billings, Montana, the projected annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 is $88,236, reflecting a competitive landscape for healthcare professionals in the area. With salaries ranging from $83,709 at the 10th percentile to $105,849 at the 90th percentile, these technologists can find rewarding opportunities in various settings including hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI services. According to official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, the median pay here is approximately 12.01% lower than the national median of $100,283. Despite this discrepancy, the demand for skilled MRI professionals remains robust, particularly as healthcare facilities in Billings expand services to meet the needs of a growing population.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,709 | $40.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,709 | $40.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,236 | $42.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,935 | $50.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,849 | $50.89 |
Median Salary Position
12.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
In Billings, MT, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,140 (2026 est.). At $88,236, the local median is 12.01% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Billings: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Billings Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Billings median: $88,236/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Billings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $96,432 | -8.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.01% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Billings, MT earn a median of $88,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.01% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 8.50% below the Montana state average of $96,432.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Billings has a cost of living 6.47% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Billings, MT has a cost-of-living index of 93.526 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,236 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,344 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.92% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,730
2025 BLS Actual
$84,010
2026 Current Est.
$88,236
2019–2027 Growth
+27.4%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,236 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Billings metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 15.5% from $72,730 (2019) to $84,010 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,944 (27.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $83,709 – $83,709 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,709 – $88,236 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,236 – $104,935 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,935 – $105,849 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Billings
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employs about 40 individuals, signaling a stable demand for these professionals. The cost of living in Billings, with an index of 93.526, suggests that residents may experience a better purchasing power compared to many other U.S. cities. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments often provide some of the highest salaries, although specialized outpatient facilities such as RadNet and SimonMed also attract talent with competitive pay. Factors influencing salary ranges include subspecialty expertise—particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI—and premium rates for those willing to work shifts that require call coverage or evenings and weekends. To maximize earnings in the Billings market, technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO or specializing in burgeoning fields within MRI technology, which can significantly enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $84,010 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Billings metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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