Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $96,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Great Falls, MT earns a median $96,214/year (≈ $46.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Great Falls's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $100,015 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Great Falls, MT, the 2026 projections indicate that a magnetic resonance imaging technologist can expect a median annual salary of $96,214. This figure is slightly below the national median of $100,283, reflecting the local healthcare environment and the number of available positions. Technologists in this field earn between $66,667 and $132,646, demonstrating a significant range that can be influenced by factors such as shift differentials and subspecialty experience. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, highlight the competitive nature of the job market, especially within hospital imaging departments compared to outpatient centers and other healthcare facilities in the region.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,667 | $32.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,174 | $38.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,214 | $46.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,979 | $52.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,646 | $63.77 |
Median Salary Position
4.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
In Great Falls, MT, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,979 (2026 est.). At $96,214, the local median is 4.06% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Great Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Great Falls Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Great Falls median: $96,214/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Great Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $96,503 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -4.06% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Great Falls, MT earn a median of $96,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% below the Montana state average of $96,503.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Great Falls 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.
Great Falls, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $96,214 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,015 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,431
2025 BLS Actual
$91,606
2026 Current Est.
$96,214
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,431 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,053 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Great Falls metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $70,431 (2019) to $91,606 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,053 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,622 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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) | $66,667 – $79,174 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,174 – $96,214 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,214 – $109,979 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,979 – $132,646 |
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 Great Falls
With only 12 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Great Falls, the local job market offers limited opportunity but stable prospects for those entering the field. The cost of living index stands at 96.2, which suggests that while wages may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for residents remains relatively strong. Employers like hospital imaging departments typically provide the highest pay, often complemented by benefits that consider experience and additional certifications, such as MRSO. The variation in compensation is primarily driven by factors like certifications in subspecialties—especially cardiac MRI—and the potential for premium pay in trauma center roles or through travel assignments. To maximize earning potential in Great Falls, technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, seeking out positions that offer night and weekend shifts, and being open to mobile MRI opportunities, all of which can significantly enhance their overall pay.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Great Falls?
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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 $91,606 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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