Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $44.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lafayette, LA runs $44.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,773 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lafayette, Louisiana, earns a median hourly rate of $44.69, which trails behind the national median of $48.21. For part-time workers engaged three days a week, this rate translates into a substantial part of their income, making it possible to maintain a balance between work and personal life. In various settings including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile trailers, entry-level MRI techs can find positions that start around $31.16, while experienced technologists can earn as much as $59.09 per hour. These figures are derived from projected annual salaries, showcasing the broad range of earnings within the field of MRI technology in Lafayette.
About the Lafayette 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) | $31.16 | $249.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.57 | $308.54 |
| Median (P50) | $44.69 | $357.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.36 | $394.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.09 | $472.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $44.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.69/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $92,956 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,628. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,787.61 | $7,746 | $92,956 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,072.57 | $4,648 | $55,773 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $715.04 | $3,099 | $37,182 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lafayette) | $44.69 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $92,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.60% above the Louisiana state average of $90,594.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.69/hr = $55,773/year (purchasing power: $61,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,956/year (purchasing power: $102,941).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+71.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lafayette grew 55.9% from $27.30/hr (2019) to $42.55/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.94/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
For those pursuing part-time opportunities, working as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist three days a week and logging 24 hours can yield approximately $55,000 annually, providing a comfortable income compared to working full-time. Per-diem roles present an intriguing alternative, with current pay rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour for general magnetic resonance imaging, and reaching up to $110 for cardiac MRI specialties. Various employer types in Lafayette—spanning from hospitals to outpatient imaging centers—contribute to differing hourly pay scales. While some technologists may accept lower rates for additional benefits such as health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly wages without the security of benefits. Consequently, negotiating the best rate in Lafayette often hinges on individual preferences and an understanding of local employer compensation strategies.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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