Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Helena, MT: $81,673 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Helena, MT earns a median $81,673/year (≈ $39.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $85,365 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Helena, Montana, the role of a radiologic technologist and technician is projected to offer a median annual salary of $81,673 in 2026, a figure that is slightly below the national median salary of $84,348. This compensation range varies from $64,237 at the 10th percentile to $101,226 at the 90th percentile. Data derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys reveals that effective compensation in this field is influenced by factors such as shift differentials and the presence of a designated trauma center in the area, both of which contribute to a competitive salary landscape for healthcare professionals. Moreover, the local job market reflects a demand for skilled radiologic technologists and technicians, indicating a stable outlook for those entering the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,237 | $30.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,735 | $36.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,673 | $39.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,673 | $39.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,226 | $48.67 |
Median Salary Position
3.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,989 (2026 est.). At $81,673, the local median is 3.17% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Helena Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Helena median: $81,673/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $81,186 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | -3.17% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 4.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 95.675 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $81,673 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,365 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,591
2025 BLS Actual
$77,570
2026 Current Est.
$81,673
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,591 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,424 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,075 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,673 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,994 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $58,591 (2019) to $77,570 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,994 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,403 (46.77%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,237 – $76,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,735 – $81,673 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,673 – $81,673 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,673 – $101,226 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Helena
With 70 radiologic technologists and technicians actively employed in Helena, the local job market demonstrates a reasonable balance between supply and demand. The cost of living index sits at 95.675, suggesting that housing and everyday expenses are lower than the national average, ultimately enhancing take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments tend to offer the highest pay, benefiting from demand for cross-trained professionals in modalities like CT, MRI, and mammography. The variation in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including specialty cross-training, shift differentials, call coverage, and supervisor stipends. To maximize earnings in Helena, professionals are encouraged to pursue cross-training opportunities and seek positions in high-demand settings, while remaining flexible with shift assignments and actively considering travel rad tech contracts, which often pay premiums for such roles.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Helena, MT in 2026?
Is Helena, MT a good place to work as a radiologic technologist and technician?
Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Helena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary 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
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 $77,570 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Helena metropolitan area. A 5.29% 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
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