Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $41.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Ruston, LA runs $41.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, Louisiana, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $41.86 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This discrepancy indicates the unique economic landscape of Ruston, where MRI technologists may find opportunities in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI units, or specialized facilities. For part-time technicians or per-diem professionals, this hourly rate can translate into manageable income, particularly for those working three days a week in a typical 24-hour schedule. The range of hourly wages in the area shows that entry-level positions might start around $32.15, while more experienced technologists can earn up to $52.99, reflecting a spectrum of earning potential within this specialized field.
About the Ruston 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) | $32.15 | $257.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.34 | $290.72 |
| Median (P50) | $41.86 | $334.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.61 | $364.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.99 | $423.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $41.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.86/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $87,079 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,238. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,674.60 | $7,257 | $87,079 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.76 | $4,354 | $52,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.84 | $2,903 | $34,832 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Ruston) | $41.86 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $87,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.17% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $90,519.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.86/hr = $52,247/year (purchasing power: $57,860).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,079/year (purchasing power: $96,433).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Ruston grew 30.1% from $30.65/hr (2019) to $39.86/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.97/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
Considering that a 3-day workweek results in an annual income significantly less than a full-time position, part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Ruston can still find viable earning opportunities. If working only 24 hours weekly, their annual take-home might hover well below the figure that constitutes a full-time salary, creating a reality where per-diem MRI technologists can command rates as high as $55-$85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists potentially earning between $75-$110. The variation in hourly rates is often due to employer type—hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile units may offer differing pay scales based on their specific needs and budgets. Interestingly, some technologists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits, reflecting individual career goals. For those navigating salary discussions, it is beneficial to highlight expertise in sought-after specialties like cardiac MRI or mpMRI, which could warrant higher compensation.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Ruston in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Ruston?
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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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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