Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in South Dakota: $82,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay sits at $82,641/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2035. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $89,053 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Watertown ($85,198), Yankton ($85,171), Spearfish ($84,958).
As of 2026, the average median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Dakota is $82,642, which is 17.6% lower than the national median of $100,283. There is a significant salary disparity within the state; those in Watertown can expect to earn the highest average at $89,483, while Sioux Falls offers the lowest at $79,308, reflecting varying local demand and healthcare facility funding. Key cities such as Yankton, Spearfish, Mitchell, and Aberdeen also present salaries close to Watertown, ranging from $88,439 to $89,455. Factors contributing to these differences include the concentration of medical facilities, local job market conditions, and cost of living variations across regions. In South Dakota, magnetic resonance imaging technologists are subject to state licensing and regulations, which ensure a consistent standard of care. The profession is expected to grow, with an anticipated annual compound growth rate of 5.03%, indicating a steadily increasing demand for skilled technologists. With a total of 215 employed in the state, the outlook remains positive, driven by advancements in medical imaging technology and an ongoing need for diagnostic imaging services.
South Dakota Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $53,733 (lowest entry-level) to $113,301 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn 17.59% less than the national median ($-17,642/year difference).
South Dakota Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist salaries in South Dakota range from $60,511 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $102,737 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $82,641. The South Dakota median is $17,642 below the US national median of $100,283. The average hourly rate is $39.73/hr. Approximately 215 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,320
2025 BLS Actual
$78,684
2026 Current Est.
$82,641
2019–2027 Growth
+46.3%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,798 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 32.6% from $59,320 (2019) to $78,684 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,798 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,478 (46.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $79,308 |
| Huron | $85,823 |
| Vermillion | $85,956 |
| Rapid City | $85,957 |
| Brookings | $85,977 |
Best Value Cities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | $89,483 | 92.8 | $96,426 |
| Rapid City | $85,957 | 89.16 | $96,408 |
| Yankton | $89,455 | 92.8 | $96,395 |
| Spearfish | $89,231 | 92.8 | $96,154 |
| Mitchell | $88,588 | 92.8 | $95,461 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $60,511 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $82,641 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $102,737 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watertown | $89,483 |
| 2 | Yankton | $89,455 |
| 3 | Spearfish | $89,231 |
| 4 | Mitchell | $88,588 |
| 5 | Aberdeen | $88,439 |
| 6 | Pierre | $87,432 |
| 7 | Brookings | $85,977 |
| 8 | Rapid City | $85,957 |
| 9 | Vermillion | $85,956 |
| 10 | Huron | $85,823 |
| 11 | Sioux Falls | $79,308 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Explore More Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in South Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Dakota?
How does South Dakota magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in South Dakota?
How many magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more magnetic resonance imaging technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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