Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $40.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Hammond, LA runs $40.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,091 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hammond, Louisiana, the median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected at $40.91 in 2026, a figure that falls below the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This wage indicates a disparity that those in the field could discuss when considering positions either as full-time staff or part-time workers in settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI services. The estimated hourly range for positions in this area spans from $31.96 for entry-level roles to $52.32 for experienced professionals. Such a pay structure can affect part-time professionals working three days a week, as well as per-diem workers who might be drawn to varied and flexible job opportunities without committing to traditional employment contracts.
About the Hammond 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) | $31.96 | $255.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.94 | $287.53 |
| Median (P50) | $40.91 | $327.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.99 | $359.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.32 | $418.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $40.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.91/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $85,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,091. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,636.37 | $7,091 | $85,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $981.82 | $4,255 | $51,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.55 | $2,836 | $34,036 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Hammond) | $40.91 |
| 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 Hammond, LA earn a median of $85,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.15% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.00% below the Louisiana state average of $90,522.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.91/hr = $51,055/year (purchasing power: $56,539).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,091/year (purchasing power: $94,232).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hammond grew 30.1% from $29.95/hr (2019) to $38.95/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.97/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Examining the potential for earnings through part-time roles, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week could take home approximately $51,325 annually, which is significantly lower than a full-time worker earning a median annual salary. In the realm of per-diem work, some MRI technologists in Hammond may find lucrative opportunities billing between $55 and $85 per hour, with those specializing in cardiac MRI often earning even more. With differences in hourly compensation depending on the employer type—such as hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile services—some technologists opt for positions that offer lower pay but include health insurance and other benefits. This trade-off can significantly influence job satisfaction and financial planning, especially in a region like Louisiana, where cost of living factors into daily budgeting. Those negotiating hourly wages should typically emphasize their specialized skills and experience, especially in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI, to secure better compensation in the competitive job market.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hammond in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hammond?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hammond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Hammond?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Hammond?
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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 Hammond. 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 Hammond 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