Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $40.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Natchitoches, LA runs $40.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,621 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Natchitoches, Louisiana, comfortably earn a median hourly pay of $40.68, which is approximately 15.62% lower than the national median of $48.21. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this pay translates into a robust income suitable for flexible lifestyles, particularly in environments like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile MRI trailers. Entry-level professionals can expect to start at about $32.53 per hour, while the top earners can make as much as $51.71 per hour, highlighting the potential for significant growth in this specialized field. The hourly rates presented are derived from annual salary projections, and this structure provides intriguing opportunities for those considering employment in Natchitoches.
About the Natchitoches 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) | $32.53 | $260.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.38 | $291.06 |
| Median (P50) | $40.68 | $325.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.96 | $343.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.71 | $413.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $40.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.68/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $84,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,814. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,627.12 | $7,051 | $84,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $976.27 | $4,231 | $50,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.85 | $2,820 | $33,844 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Natchitoches) | $40.68 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $84,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.62% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $90,600.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.68/hr = $50,766/year (purchasing power: $56,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,610/year (purchasing power: $93,699).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Natchitoches grew 30.1% from $29.78/hr (2019) to $38.73/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.72/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
When focusing on the income dynamics for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time, a three-day work week—totaling around 24 hours—can yield an annual take-home significantly less than full-time peers but still offers many advantages. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Natchitoches often sees rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, especially for specialized fields like cardiac MRI, where rates rise to $75-$110 per hour. Traveling MRI tech contracts can pull in between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly, demonstrating the lucrative nature of per diem opportunities against traditional roles. The variances in hourly rates across different employers—hospitals, outpatient facilities, and mobile companies—create unique negotiation settings. Professionals might find it beneficial to weigh the perks of higher pay without benefits against the security of full-time roles offering healthcare coverage and retirement plans. In Natchitoches, being strategic in rate discussions can greatly impact long-term earnings and job satisfaction for MRI technologists.
More salary data for Natchitoches, 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 Natchitoches. 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 Natchitoches 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