Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $88,439 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $88,439/year (≈ $42.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $95,301 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aberdeen, SD are projected to earn a median annual salary of $88,439, which sits below the national median of $100,283. The salary range for local technologists spans from $66,804 at the 10th percentile to $113,301 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive pay scale driven by the local healthcare structure. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these estimates account for regional cost adjustments and indicate a robust presence of MRI services in the area, which includes hospitals and outpatient centers. The strong demand for MRI services positions Aberdeen as a favorable market for technologists seeking stable employment opportunities while acknowledging that the hospital setting typically offers enhanced pay and benefits compared to outpatient chains.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,804 | $32.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,298 | $36.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,439 | $42.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,711 | $47.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,301 | $54.47 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,497 (2026 est.). At $88,439, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $88,439/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $93,094 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.81% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $88,439 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $93,094.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,439 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,301 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,740
2025 BLS Actual
$84,204
2026 Current Est.
$88,439
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,869 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,632 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,204 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,439 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,888 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,740 (2019) to $84,204 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,888 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,148 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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) | $66,804 – $76,298 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,298 – $88,439 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,439 – $98,711 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,711 – $113,301 |
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 Aberdeen
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aberdeen remains relatively stable, with only five professionals employed in this niche field. The local cost-of-living index stands at 92.8, which is below the national average, suggesting that technologists may find their purchasing power notably enhanced despite salaries being lower compared to the national figures. Among local employers, hospitals may offer the highest compensation, particularly for MRI technologists engaged in subspecialties like cardiac MRI or those involved in advanced imaging techniques. Factors influencing the salary range include sub-specialty expertise, shift differentials, and call coverage requirements, which often lead to variations in pay. For those aspiring to maximize their earnings in the Aberdeen market, pursuing MRSO certification or engaging in roles that leverage advanced imaging technology may provide additional advantages.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
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 $84,204 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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