Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $42.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Houma, LA runs $42.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,575 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Houma, Louisiana, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected at $42.13 in 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy may reflect the cost of living in the region, which is below the national average at a cost of living index of 90.3. For part-time MRI technologists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a stable income, especially when taking into account the variety of settings in which they might work, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging facilities. Newer technologists in Houma might start at $32.87 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $52.92 per hour, indicating a healthy progression as they gain expertise and possibly additional certifications, such as those from the ASRT or SMRT.
About the Houma 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) | $32.87 | $263.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.25 | $298.03 |
| Median (P50) | $42.13 | $337.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.35 | $362.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.92 | $423.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $42.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.13/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $87,625 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,553. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,685.10 | $7,302 | $87,625 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,011.06 | $4,381 | $52,575 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $674.04 | $2,921 | $35,050 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Houma) | $42.13 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $87,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.63% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.20% below the Louisiana state average of $90,514.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.13/hr = $52,575/year (purchasing power: $58,223).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,625/year (purchasing power: $97,038).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Houma grew 30.1% from $30.84/hr (2019) to $40.11/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.25/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 Houma 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 Houma
Focusing on part-time and per-diem roles provides insight into the financial potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Houma. A technologist working 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay would earn approximately $52,665 annually, while those in full-time positions stand to benefit from higher overall compensation and benefits packages. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in the area can range dramatically, with rates often between $55 and $85 per hour, particularly in high-demand specialties such as cardiac MRI. Employers vary from larger hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers and travel agencies, affecting pay rates significantly. Some MRI technologists might choose jobs with lower hourly rates due to better health insurance and job stability. Negotiating effectively with potential employers, emphasizing the critical skills required for advanced imaging tasks, can lead to higher hourly wages in the competitive Houma market.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Houma in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Houma?
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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 Houma. 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 Houma 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