Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Missoula, MT: $94,342 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Missoula, MT earns a median $94,342/year (≈ $45.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $98,069 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Missoula, Montana, is projected to reach $94,342, which reflects a competitive but slightly lower figure when compared to the national median of $100,283. The salary range for this role in Missoula varies significantly, from $70,345 at the 10th percentile to $126,368 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price parities, highlight the potential for higher earnings, particularly for those specializing in cardiac MRI or neuro imaging, which are premium subspecialties in the local healthcare market. As Missoula continues to evolve as a hub for advanced imaging and healthcare services, the demand for skilled MRI technologists remains robust, shaping a promising job outlook.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,345 | $33.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,075 | $38.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,342 | $45.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,620 | $50.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,368 | $60.75 |
Median Salary Position
5.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,023 (2026 est.). At $94,342, the local median is 5.92% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Missoula median: $94,342/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $96,464 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -5.92% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Missoula, MT earn a median of $94,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $96,464.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula 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.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $94,342 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,069 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$74,250
2025 BLS Actual
$89,824
2026 Current Est.
$94,342
2019–2027 Growth
+33.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,777 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,342 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,088 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 21.0% from $74,250 (2019) to $89,824 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,088 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,838 (33.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $70,345 – $81,075 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,075 – $94,342 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,342 – $105,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,620 – $126,368 |
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 Missoula
With only 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Missoula, competition for positions can be favorable depending on experience and specialization. The city maintains a cost-of-living index of 96.2, indicating that living expenses are slightly below the national average, which can enhance overall take-home pay. Various employers contribute to the breadth of magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Missoula, with hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and orthopedic practices often offering the most competitive salaries. Factors such as time-of-day pay differentials, on-call stipends, and the ability to work in subspecialties can create wage variances, making it essential for potential candidates to seek certifications like MRSO for increased earning potential. To maximize pay in this local market, MRI technologists should focus on gaining subspecialty certifications, and consider flexible job opportunities that include travel positions, as these often come with higher hourly rates.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Missoula, MT in 2026?
Is Missoula, MT a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Missoula?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Missoula?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Missoula?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 $89,824 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Missoula 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 Missoula 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