Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $92,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Grand Forks, ND earns a median $92,781/year (≈ $44.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Grand Forks's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $100,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Grand Forks, North Dakota, can expect to earn a median salary of $92,781. This figure comes in slightly below the national median of $100,283, reflecting the region's unique market characteristics, including the strong demand for multiple subspecialties, particularly cardiac MRI and neurology-focused practices. With a salary range stretching from $65,536 at the 10th percentile to $120,194 at the 90th percentile, the pay scale offers significant opportunities for advancement. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicate a growing need for MRI professionals in the area, particularly as healthcare facilities expand and incorporate the latest imaging technologies.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,536 | $31.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,284 | $37.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,781 | $44.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,455 | $49.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,194 | $57.79 |
Median Salary Position
7.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, ND, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,658 (2026 est.). At $92,781, the local median is 7.48% below the national median of $100,283.
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How Grand Forks Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Grand Forks median: $92,781/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Forks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $92,228 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -7.48% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $92,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% above the North Dakota state average of $92,228.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Forks has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Forks, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $92,781 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,849 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,919
2025 BLS Actual
$88,338
2026 Current Est.
$92,781
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,919 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,103 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,099 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,476 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,338 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,448 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Forks metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $67,919 (2019) to $88,338 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,448 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,529 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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) | $65,536 – $77,284 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,284 – $92,781 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,781 – $103,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,455 – $120,194 |
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 Grand Forks
Currently, Grand Forks employs 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, signaling a modest yet stable job market. The cost-of-living index of 92 suggests that while salaries may be slightly below the national average, purchasing power remains reasonable for technologists. Facilities such as local hospitals and outpatient imaging centers typically offer the most competitive wages, with a noticeable advantage for those working in cardiac or neuro specialties. The difference in pay can often be attributed to subspecialty expertise, shift differentials, and on-call responsibilities, particularly in trauma centers. For techs aiming to maximize their earnings in Grand Forks, pursuing certifications like MRSO and specializing in lucrative areas such as cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI can significantly enhance income potential within this evolving market.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
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 $88,338 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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