Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $39.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in New Orleans, LA runs $39.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,809 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist's hourly pay is projected to reach $39.91 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy suggests that while local MRI techs are well-compensated, they may find themselves at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts nationwide. For those considering part-time work—such as three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a stable income of around $1,156 for a typical 24-hour week, which can be advantageous for professionals seeking flexibility. The hourly pay range for technologists in New Orleans runs from $34.75 at the entry-level to as much as $54.48 for top earners, providing opportunities in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.75 | $278.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.75 | $278.04 |
| Median (P50) | $39.91 | $319.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.24 | $385.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.48 | $435.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $39.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.91/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $83,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,894. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,596.46 | $6,918 | $83,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $957.87 | $4,151 | $49,809 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.58 | $2,767 | $33,206 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (New Orleans) | $39.91 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $83,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.23% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 8.30% below the Louisiana state average of $90,518.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.91/hr = $49,809/year (purchasing power: $53,792).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,016/year (purchasing power: $89,653).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in New Orleans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in New Orleans grew 24.1% from $30.61/hr (2019) to $38.00/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.92/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
Understanding the earning potential for part-time and per-diem roles in New Orleans is crucial for those in this field. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week can expect an annual take-home of approximately $60,000, a stark contrast to the income of full-time colleagues. Those opting for per-diem work may benefit from higher hourly rates, often ranging from $55 to $85, with specialties like cardiac MRI bringing in rates from $75 to $110. Moreover, travel contracts are lucrative, offering $2,200 to $3,400 per week for the most experienced technicians. Hourly rates also vary substantially based on employer types; for instance, MRI techs in hospitals typically receive lower rates compared to those in outpatient centers. They should weigh the trade-off between accepting a lower hourly wage for job security and health benefits or pursuing higher hourly pay without added benefits. For negotiation, highlighting specialized training in cardiac MRI or advanced certifications from ASRT and ARRT can enhance a technologist's appeal in securing optimal rates within the New Orleans market.
More salary data for New Orleans, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in New Orleans in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in New Orleans?
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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 New Orleans. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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