Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Rio Rancho, NM: $46.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Rio Rancho, NM runs $46.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,437 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Rio Rancho's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rio Rancho, New Mexico, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can anticipate a median hourly pay of $46.84, which is just below the national median of $48.21. This figure is significant for individuals considering part-time work or engaging in per-diem positions at facilities such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and orthopedic clinics. For techs working part-time just three days a week, this translates to potential earnings of around $29,297 annually, based on a typical 24-hour workweek. Entry-level technologists can expect hourly rates starting at approximately $32.69, while the top earners—those with considerable experience or specialization—might enjoy hourly wages up to $63.95. These hourly estimates stem from broader annual salary data projections for the year 2026.
About the Rio Rancho 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) | $32.69 | $261.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.82 | $310.55 |
| Median (P50) | $46.84 | $374.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.94 | $423.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.95 | $511.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rio Rancho
Based on $46.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.84/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rio Rancho, NM can expect to earn approximately $97,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,212. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rio Rancho.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rio Rancho
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,873.74 | $8,120 | $97,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.24 | $4,872 | $58,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.49 | $3,248 | $38,974 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Rio Rancho) | $46.84 |
| 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 Rio Rancho, NM earn a median of $97,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.90% above the New Mexico state average of $94,691.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.84/hr = $58,461/year (purchasing power: $61,929).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,434/year (purchasing power: $103,214).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Rio Rancho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Rio Rancho grew 30.1% from $34.29/hr (2019) to $44.60/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.20/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 Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho
Considering the local backdrop, part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Rio Rancho can have varied earning potential. A technician working three days per week might take home about $29,297 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart earning around $97,437 per year. For those pursuing per-diem work, the pay can be significantly higher; many can charge between $55 and $85 hourly, while specialized cardiac MRI per-diem roles might attract rates as high as $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI tech contracts, which are frequently high in demand, can yield weekly compensation ranging from $2,200 to $3,400. Different employers in the region—such as hospitals, outpatient facilities, and mobile units—offer varying compensation structures, often with a trade-off between hourly pay and benefit packages. For MRI technologists negotiating their pay in this market, it's crucial to weigh the benefits of job security and health plans against the allure of higher hourly wages without such perks. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals in the field as they navigate their earnings strategy.
More salary data for Rio Rancho, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Rio Rancho in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Rio Rancho?
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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 Rio Rancho. 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 Rio Rancho 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