Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $41.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Central, LA runs $41.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,195 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $41.82, which falls below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This rate makes it feasible for technologists working part-time, such as those on a 3-day weekly schedule, to earn a competitive wage while maintaining flexible hours. With MRI settings ranging from hospital suites with 1.5T and 3T machines to outpatient imaging centers and mobile trailers, the opportunities are diverse. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with entry-level positions earning as little as $32.15 and seasoned professionals reaching up to $54.54. Overall, these hourly figures provide a view into the compensation that technologists might see in Central, based on projected estimates derived from 2025 BLS data.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.15 | $257.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.62 | $292.99 |
| Median (P50) | $41.82 | $334.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.24 | $369.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.54 | $436.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $41.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.82/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $86,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,188. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,672.92 | $7,249 | $86,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,003.75 | $4,350 | $52,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.17 | $2,900 | $34,797 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Central) | $41.82 |
| 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 Central, LA earn a median of $86,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.25% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $90,521.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.82/hr = $52,195/year (purchasing power: $57,802).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,992/year (purchasing power: $96,336).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Central grew 30.1% from $30.62/hr (2019) to $39.82/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.93/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 Central 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 Central
Understanding part-time earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist reveals a stark contrast in income when compared to full-time roles. A 3-day workweek, or 24 hours, would yield around $52,265 annually, noticeably lower than a full-time salary but still reflective of a viable income. The reality for per-diem professionals often brings higher compensation. Per diem MRI techs in Central may bill between $55 to $85 per hour, while cardiac MRI specialists command even more, with rates hitting $75 to $110. Factors like employer type play a crucial role in defining pay scales; hospital departments and outpatient clinics might offer lower rates compared to mobile companies or orthopedic practices needing onsite MRI services. Some technologists may prefer the assurance of health benefits even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate. For those pursuing negotiations in Central, it’s vital to clearly express your skills and the demands of your speciality, especially in niches like cardiac MRI or research labs, where pay can be higher for skilled professionals.
More salary data for Central, 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 Central. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Central is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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