Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Butte, MT: $93,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Butte, MT earns a median $93,754/year (≈ $45.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Butte's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $97,457 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Butte, Montana, the anticipated salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in 2026 is $93,754 annually, which reflects a competitive edge particularly given the rising demand for cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties. The salary range spans from $66,514 at the lower end (P10) to $124,373 at the upper echelon (P90), illustrating notable variation based on experience and specialization. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional cost adjustments. Despite being slightly below the national median of $100,283, Butte's salary offers a robust compensation structure, especially considering the evolving landscape of MRI technology in this area.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,514 | $31.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,331 | $39.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,754 | $45.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,935 | $50.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,373 | $59.79 |
Median Salary Position
6.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Butte
In Butte, MT, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,859 (2026 est.). At $93,754, the local median is 6.51% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Butte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Butte Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Butte median: $93,754/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Butte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $96,455 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -6.51% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Butte, MT earn a median of $93,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $96,455.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Butte has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Butte, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $93,754 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,457 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,631
2025 BLS Actual
$89,264
2026 Current Est.
$93,754
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,324 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,876 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,922 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,264 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,470 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Butte metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $68,631 (2019) to $89,264 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,470 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,839 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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) | $66,514 – $81,331 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,331 – $93,754 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,754 – $104,935 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,935 – $124,373 |
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 Butte
With only seven magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Butte, the local job market remains relatively tight yet holds potential for growth, particularly as healthcare facilities expand their imaging departments. The cost of living index stands at 96.2, suggesting a moderate affordability which may improve the take-home purchasing power for professionals in the field. High-paying employers include hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers, which often offer premium pay for subspecialized expertise. Factors driving income dispersion include the specialization level—with cardiac MRI typically commanding higher pay than general MRI roles—as well as potential bonuses for weekend shifts and call coverage at major trauma centers. To maximize earnings in Butte, aspiring technologists should consider paths in cardiac MRI, pursue additional certifications like MRSO, and explore opportunities with mobile MRI services to capitalize on demand trends within this evolving market.
More salary data for Butte, 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 $89,264 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Butte 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
Salary data for Butte 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