Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Kalispell, MT: $92,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Kalispell, MT earns a median $92,117/year (≈ $44.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $95,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kalispell, MT, benefit from a competitive salary structure, with a projected median annual compensation of $92,117 by 2026. The local salary range spans from $69,219 at the lower end to $112,173 for those at the higher end of the market. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional costs, reflect the unique dynamics of the area. Notably, shift differentials and call coverage play a significant role in driving the upper end of compensation, especially for those who work during nights and weekends in high-demand settings. This local market presents opportunities for practitioners as the demand for advanced imaging techniques continues to rise, establishing a holistic framework for MRI technologist pay in Kalispell.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,219 | $33.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,141 | $38.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,117 | $44.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,630 | $46.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,173 | $53.93 |
Median Salary Position
8.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,954 (2026 est.). At $92,117, the local median is 8.14% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be above the median
How Kalispell Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $92,117/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $96,457 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -8.14% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $92,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $96,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell 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.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $92,117 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,756 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,432
2025 BLS Actual
$87,705
2026 Current Est.
$92,117
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,432 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,648 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,705 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,750 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $67,432 (2019) to $87,705 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,750 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,318 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $69,219 – $79,141 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,141 – $92,117 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,117 – $97,630 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,630 – $112,173 |
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 Kalispell
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kalispell includes only four professionals currently employed, indicating a tight labor market. With a cost-of-living index of 96.2, MRI technologists can experience a relatively favorable purchasing power compared to other regions. The highest salaries are often found in hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI facilities, with mobile MRI companies and orthopedic practices also providing competitive pay. Factors such as subspecialty skills—where cardiac MRI training, for example, typically commands higher salaries—shift differentials, and call coverage all contribute to the disparity in pay. To maximize earning potential, pursuing certifications like MRSO and expanding skills in emerging areas like cardiac MRI or mpMRI can be advantageous. For those aiming to enhance their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Kalispell, understanding these market dynamics can be key to navigating their careers effectively.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kalispell, MT in 2026?
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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 $87,705 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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