Radiologic Technologist in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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Montana employs 850 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $77,070 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $77,070 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $55,750
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,140
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $91,650
- Employed in Montana
- 850
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Montana markets:
- Bozeman
- $78,090 (90 employed)
- Helena
- $77,570 (70 employed)
- Billings
- $77,070 (180 employed)
- Missoula
- $73,740 (120 employed)
- Great Falls
- $71,270 (60 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,070 median stretches to roughly $81,469 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +7.7%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification — regulated by the No Montana state license — ARRT certification is the standard.
- Montana does not require a separate state radiographer license.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
- Pass the ARRT exam and earn the R.T.(R) credential — employers require it.
Official requirements: No Montana state license — ARRT certification is the standard →
Training in Montana
Employers require ARRT even without a state license. Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Flathead Valley Community College — Associate
- Great Falls College Montana State University — Certificate / Associate
- Highlands College of Montana Tech — Associate
- Montana State University Billings — Certificate / Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Montana
Real Montana hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Benefis Hospitals Inc — Great Falls
- Billings Clinic Hospital — Billings
- Intermountain Health St Vincent Regional Hospital — Billings
- St Patrick Hospital — Missoula
- VA Hosp — Fort Harrison
- Logan Health Medical Center — Kalispell
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want healthcare without becoming a nurse or physician.
Think twice if: You dislike hospitals, patient contact, standing, or precise technical routines.
Why it's resilient: Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
First Steps
Find accredited radiography programs and compare clinical placement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists make in Montana?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Montana is $77,070 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $55,750, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $91,650. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Montana?
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification, overseen by the No Montana state license — ARRT certification is the standard. Montana does not require a separate state radiographer license.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Montana?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Montana metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Bozeman leads at $78,090, followed by Helena ($77,570), Billings ($77,070). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Radiologic Technologist in Montana?
Real Montana options include Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State University, Highlands College of Montana Tech. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects radiologic technologists employment to change +7.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No Montana state license — ARRT certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Montana wages · Montana licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.