Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $39.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Helena, MT runs $39.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,673 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,013 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Helena, Montana, radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $39.27, which is slightly below the national median of $40.55. For those working part-time, such as a typical three-day workweek, this equates to approximately $61,036 annually, offering flexibility while still providing decent compensation. The hourly pay range in Helena varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $30.88 and top earners reaching up to $48.67. This reflects official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, indicating solid prospects for professionals in various settings, including hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities.
Diving deeper into the earning potential, part-time radiologic technologists and technicians can find lucrative options, especially when considering per-diem work. Per diem roles commonly see pay rates between $40 and $60 per hour, while cross-trained professionals in CT and MRI modalities can command $50 to $75 hourly. Furthermore, travel contracts can be quite rewarding, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates differ based on the employer type in Helena; for instance, professionals may find varying compensation in hospital imaging departments versus mobile X-ray companies or outpatient clinics. While some radiologic technologists may opt for lower hourly rates that include health benefits, others may prefer higher pay without those benefits, which can complicate their decision-making. Additionally, for those interested in negotiating their hourly pay, emphasizing cross-training capabilities and demonstrating versatility can provide a leverage point in discussions.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.88 | $247.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.89 | $295.15 |
| Median (P50) | $39.27 | $314.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.27 | $314.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.67 | $389.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $39.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.27/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $81,688 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,128. With a cost-of-living index of 95.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,570.93 | $6,807 | $81,688 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $942.56 | $4,084 | $49,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.37 | $2,723 | $32,675 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Helena) | $39.27 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Helena, MT earn a median of $81,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.17% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 0.60% above the Montana state average of $81,186.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.27/hr = $49,013/year (purchasing power: $51,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,688/year (purchasing power: $85,381).
CoL index: 95.675 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Helena grew 32.4% from $28.17/hr (2019) to $37.30/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.35/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Helena
Radiologic technologist and technician hourly pay in Helena involves varying dynamics based on employment settings and market demands. The local healthcare landscape presents a realm of opportunities for professionals eager to expand their skill sets and increase their earning potential. While full-time positions typically offer stable income, part-time and per-diem options allow for flexibility that suits different lifestyles and career goals. As professionals navigate their careers in this field, understanding the market, including per diem radiologic technologist and technician pay in Helena and cross-training advantages, can be beneficial for achieving both occupational satisfaction and financial goals. The upward trend in the field, with an estimated growth rate of 5.29%, only adds to the allure of pursuing a career in radiologic technology and highlights the importance of staying updated with industry standards and practices.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Helena?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Helena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Helena?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage 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 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Helena. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov