Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Baton Rouge, LA: $42.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Baton Rouge, LA runs $42.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,519 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Baton Rouge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,113 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Baton Rouge, the hourly compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to be $42.56 in 2026. This is notably below the national hourly median of $48.21, which may reflect the local market conditions and cost of living, with Baton Rouge having a cost of living index of 90.78. For technologists working part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly rate translates to approximately $3,400 monthly, making it a viable option for those who prefer flexible scheduling. The pay range for MRI technologists in this area spans from $30.93 at entry-level positions to $52.52 for top earners, reflecting the diverse settings they may find themselves in, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. This hourly data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicative of a profession that commands respect and expertise in the medical imaging field.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.93 | $247.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.11 | $248.88 |
| Median (P50) | $42.56 | $340.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.16 | $393.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.52 | $420.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baton Rouge
Based on $42.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.56/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baton Rouge, LA can expect to earn approximately $88,521 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,070. With a cost-of-living index of 90.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Baton Rouge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baton Rouge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,702.33 | $7,377 | $88,521 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,021.40 | $4,426 | $53,113 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.93 | $2,951 | $35,408 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Baton Rouge) | $42.56 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Baton Rouge, LA earn a median of $88,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the Louisiana state average of $90,511.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.56/hr = $53,113/year (purchasing power: $58,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,521/year (purchasing power: $97,512).
CoL index: 90.78 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Baton Rouge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Baton Rouge grew 20.5% from $33.62/hr (2019) to $40.52/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baton Rouge 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 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Baton Rouge
Looking at the earning potential for part-time and per-diem roles in Baton Rouge, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working just three days a week could take home around $41,600 annually, which is significantly lower than full-time earnings but still a strong complement to other income sources. Per-diem MRIs can command much higher hourly rates, often ranging from $55 to $85, and specialized roles such as cardiac MRI can even see rates between $75 and $110 per hour. Furthermore, travel contracts are yielding substantial weekly pay, fluctuating between $2,200 and $3,400, offering lucrative options for those willing to move. In Baton Rouge, hourly rates can also differ based on the type of employer, with hospitals, outpatient centers, and orthopedic practices often providing different compensation packages. Some technologists may choose lower-paying hourly positions that come with health benefits over higher-paying gigs without, creating a trade-off that requires careful consideration. For those negotiating pay, it’s wise to highlight relevant certifications and specific skills, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI, to ensure competitive compensation.
More salary data for Baton Rouge, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Baton Rouge. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
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