Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, NM: $43.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Carlsbad, NM runs $43.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,759 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, NM, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to be $43.16 in 2026, which is notably below the national hourly median of $48.21. This pay reflects not only the specialized skills required in this field but also the cost of living considerations unique to the area. For part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, this translates to approximately $3,164 monthly, allowing them to earn a respectable income while balancing other commitments. The hourly wage range is quite diverse, starting at $32.25 for entry-level positions and going up to $55.20 for top earners, illustrating the potential for growth and specialization, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac and prostate mpMRI within local hospitals, outpatient facilities, and even mobile MRI services.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.25 | $258.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.11 | $296.86 |
| Median (P50) | $43.16 | $345.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.05 | $376.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.20 | $441.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $43.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.16/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, NM can expect to earn approximately $89,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,788. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,726.27 | $7,481 | $89,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,035.76 | $4,488 | $53,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.51 | $2,992 | $35,906 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Carlsbad) | $43.16 |
| 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 Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $89,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $94,682.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.16/hr = $53,860/year (purchasing power: $57,055).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,766/year (purchasing power: $95,091).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carlsbad grew 30.1% from $31.59/hr (2019) to $41.09/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.33/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
Examining part-time earning potential reveals that a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours weekly can take home around $37,968 annually, which contrasts sharply with those working full-time. For per-diem positions, the financial landscape shifts, as per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Carlsbad typically falls between $55 and $85 per hour, often depending on specific skill sets or certifications such as MRSO or cardiac MRI expertise. Travel technology contracts can offer even higher earnings, with payments ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, creating a compelling incentive for some to work as independent contractors. Employers like hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI services may offer different hourly rates, and technologists often face the trade-offs of accepting lower pay for benefits versus higher pay without them. When negotiating, it's crucial to highlight unique skills and certifications, as these can significantly impact pay scales in a competitive environment like Carlsbad.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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