Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $89,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Spearfish, SD earns a median $89,231/year (≈ $42.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Spearfish's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $96,154 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Spearfish, South Dakota, reaches $89,231. This competitive figure reflects the local demand for specialized skills, particularly in a market where salaries can span from $65,314 at the lower end to $109,371 for experienced professionals or those working evening and weekend shifts. Such variance often arises from factors like call coverage at trauma centers and the specific subspecialties in MRI, such as cardiac or neuro imaging, which command higher wages. These salary estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living considerations in Spearfish, where the cost of living index stands at 92.8—signifying a lifestyle that is more affordable compared to many parts of the nation.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,314 | $31.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,639 | $38.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,231 | $42.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,012 | $45.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,371 | $52.58 |
Median Salary Position
11.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
In Spearfish, SD, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,057 (2026 est.). At $89,231, the local median is 11.02% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spearfish: You'd be above the median
How Spearfish Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Spearfish median: $89,231/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spearfish Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $93,046 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.02% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Spearfish, SD earn a median of $89,231 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $93,046.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spearfish 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.
Spearfish, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $89,231 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,154 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% 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
$65,320
2025 BLS Actual
$84,958
2026 Current Est.
$89,231
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,459 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,835 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,066 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,720 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spearfish metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $65,320 (2019) to $84,958 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,720 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,400 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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) | $65,314 – $80,639 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,639 – $89,231 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,231 – $95,012 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,012 – $109,371 |
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 Spearfish
With only five magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Spearfish, the job market for this specialty remains niche but stable. The lower cost of living enhances the buying power of the salary received, making positions within local hospital imaging departments or outpatient MRI centers competitive, as these employers are often among the highest payers in the area. Technologists can further increase their earnings through subspecialties like cardiac MRI or by obtaining MRSO certifications. Moreover, strategies such as taking on shift differentials or accepting mobile MRI assignments can significantly elevate overall compensation. As the field continues to evolve, with an annual growth rate of 5.03%, professionals in Spearfish SD should be proactive in pursuing additional certifications and maximizing their technical skills to boost their magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Spearfish.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Spearfish, SD in 2026?
Is Spearfish, SD a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Spearfish?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Spearfish?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Spearfish?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 $84,958 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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