MRI Technologist Pay

New Orleans vs Thibodaux: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

New Orleans, LA
$83,005
$39.91/hr
Thibodaux, LA
$83,334
$40.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNew Orleans, LAThibodaux, LA
Median Salary$83,005$83,334
Hourly Rate$39.91$40.07
Entry Level (P10)$72,303$64,855
25th Percentile$72,303$72,957
75th Percentile$100,346$89,601
Top Earner (P90)$113,317$103,546
Total Employed1306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing New Orleans ($83,005) and Thibodaux ($83,334) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.New OrleansThibodauxMedian Salary$83,005$83,334Entry Level (P10)$72,303$64,855Top Earner (P90)$113,317$103,546US Median $100,283

Verdict

New Orleans and Thibodaux are closely matched on overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between New Orleans and Thibodaux is $329 (0.40%). Thibodaux's median is -16.90% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Orleans spans $41,014,Thibodaux spans $38,691. New Orleans has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

New Orleans
P10 (Entry)$72,303
P25$72,303
Median$83,005
P75$100,346
P90 (Top)$113,317
Thibodaux
P10 (Entry)$64,855
P25$72,957
Median$83,334
P75$89,601
P90 (Top)$103,546

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Thibodaux ($92,286 effective) pays 2.95% more than New Orleans ($89,641 effective).

New Orleans
Nominal: $83,005
CoL Index: 92.597
Adjusted: $89,641
Thibodaux
Nominal: $83,334
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $92,286

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose New Orleans if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($113,317)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Thibodaux if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,334/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,286)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in New Orleans grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Thibodaux over the same period.

New Orleans, LA

+24.1%

$63,670 (2019) → $79,030 (2025)

Thibodaux, LA

+36.4%

$58,170 (2024) → $79,343 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: New Orleans or Thibodaux?

Thibodaux has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $83,334/year, compared to New Orleans at $83,005/year — a difference of $329 (0.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Thibodaux?

New Orleans magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $39.91/hr while Thibodaux hygienists earn $40.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from New Orleans to Thibodaux as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing New Orleans and Thibodaux. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: New Orleans = $89,641, Thibodaux = $92,286), job availability (130 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in New Orleans vs Thibodaux?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $72,303 in New Orleans and $64,855 in Thibodaux. The New Orleans 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