MRI Technologist Pay

Baton Rouge vs Hammond: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Hammond, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baton Rouge, LA
$88,519
$42.56/hr
Hammond, LA
$85,091
$40.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaton Rouge, LAHammond, LA
Median Salary$88,519$85,091
Hourly Rate$42.56$40.91
Entry Level (P10)$64,331$66,478
25th Percentile$64,709$74,749
75th Percentile$102,268$93,597
Top Earner (P90)$109,231$108,827
Total Employed704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baton Rouge ($88,519) and Hammond ($85,091) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Baton RougeHammondMedian Salary$88,519$85,091Entry Level (P10)$64,331$66,478Top Earner (P90)$109,231$108,827US Median $100,283

Verdict

Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hammond.

The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Hammond is $3,428 (4.03%). Baton Rouge's median is -11.73% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $44,900,Hammond spans $42,349. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$64,331
P25$64,709
Median$88,519
P75$102,268
P90 (Top)$109,231
Hammond
P10 (Entry)$66,478
P25$74,749
Median$85,091
P75$93,597
P90 (Top)$108,827

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($97,509 effective) pays 3.48% more than Hammond ($94,231 effective).

Baton Rouge
Nominal: $88,519
CoL Index: 90.78
Adjusted: $97,509
Hammond
Nominal: $85,091
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $94,231

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baton Rouge if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,519/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($109,231)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,509)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Hammond if…

  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Baton Rouge grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Hammond over the same period.

Baton Rouge, LA

+20.5%

$69,940 (2019) → $84,280 (2025)

Hammond, LA

+36.4%

$59,396 (2024) → $81,016 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Baton Rouge or Hammond?

Baton Rouge has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $88,519/year, compared to Hammond at $85,091/year — a difference of $3,428 (4.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Hammond?

Baton Rouge magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.56/hr while Hammond hygienists earn $40.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Hammond as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baton Rouge and Hammond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baton Rouge = $97,509, Hammond = $94,231), job availability (70 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Baton Rouge vs Hammond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,331 in Baton Rouge and $66,478 in Hammond. The Hammond area offers higher starting salaries.
CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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