MRI Technologist Pay

Houma vs Slidell: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Houma, LA
$87,617
$42.13/hr
Slidell, LA
$85,305
$41.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouma, LASlidell, LA
Median Salary$87,617$85,305
Hourly Rate$42.13$41.01
Entry Level (P10)$68,381$53,387
25th Percentile$77,485$68,206
75th Percentile$94,322$86,020
Top Earner (P90)$110,085$100,335
Total Employed640
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houma ($87,617) and Slidell ($85,305) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HoumaSlidellMedian Salary$87,617$85,305Entry Level (P10)$68,381$53,387Top Earner (P90)$110,085$100,335US Median $100,283

Verdict

Houma, LA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Slidell.

The salary gap between Houma and Slidell is $2,312 (2.71%). Houma's median is -12.63% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $41,704,Slidell spans $46,948. Slidell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Houma
P10 (Entry)$68,381
P25$77,485
Median$87,617
P75$94,322
P90 (Top)$110,085
Slidell
P10 (Entry)$53,387
P25$68,206
Median$85,305
P75$86,020
P90 (Top)$100,335

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houma ($97,029 effective) pays 5.47% more than Slidell ($91,997 effective).

Houma
Nominal: $87,617
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $97,029
Slidell
Nominal: $85,305
CoL Index: 92.726
Adjusted: $91,997

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houma if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,617/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($110,085)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,029)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Slidell if…

  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Houma grew 36.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Slidell over the same period.

Houma, LA

+36.4%

$61,159 (2024) → $83,421 (2025)

Slidell, LA

+10.8%

$73,310 (2024) → $81,220 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Houma or Slidell?

Houma has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $87,617/year, compared to Slidell at $85,305/year — a difference of $2,312 (2.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Slidell?

Houma magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.13/hr while Slidell hygienists earn $41.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houma to Slidell as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houma and Slidell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houma = $97,029, Slidell = $91,997), job availability (6 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Houma vs Slidell?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $68,381 in Houma and $53,387 in Slidell. The Houma 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