Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Las Cruces, NM: $47.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Las Cruces, NM runs $47.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Las Cruces's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,683 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Las Cruces, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to reach $47.02 in 2026. This figures just slightly below the national median hourly rate of $48.21, indicating a competitive market for MRI technologists in NM. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to around $1,608 for a 24-hour workweek, while per-diem workers in various imaging environments can expect to earn between $55 and $85 per hour. Entry-level MRI technologists may start out earning about $33.27 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $62.82 per hour, reflecting the diversity of opportunities within hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units unique to the region.
About the Las Cruces 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) | $33.27 | $266.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.16 | $305.26 |
| Median (P50) | $47.02 | $376.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.32 | $418.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.82 | $502.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Las Cruces
Based on $47.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.02/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Las Cruces, NM can expect to earn approximately $97,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,426. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Las Cruces.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Las Cruces
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,880.88 | $8,150 | $97,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.53 | $4,890 | $58,683 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.35 | $3,260 | $39,122 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Las Cruces) | $47.02 |
| 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 Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $97,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.30% above the New Mexico state average of $94,681.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.02/hr = $58,683/year (purchasing power: $62,165).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,806/year (purchasing power: $103,608).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Las Cruces grew 30.1% from $34.42/hr (2019) to $44.77/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.39/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 Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces
Those working part-time as magnetic resonance imaging technologists may find annual earnings differ significantly compared to full-time counterparts. A part-time schedule yielding 24 hours a week allows for an annual take-home of approximately $83,616, which positions it as a viable option for those seeking flexibility. Per diem arrangements are also common, with MRI techs often commanding higher rates—$75 to $110 per hour for cardiac MRI specialties. Those securing travel contracts can earn between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly, especially in demand through agencies. The compensation landscape further varies depending on the type of employer, as outpatient centers may offer competitive hourly rates, albeit potentially lower than hospitals where benefits come into play. In Las Cruces, balancing higher pay without benefits versus job stability is often part of the negotiation process that MRI technologists must navigate effectively.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Las Cruces in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Las Cruces?
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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 Las Cruces. 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 Las Cruces 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