Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Fe, NM: $45.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Santa Fe, NM runs $45.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,584 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Santa Fe's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,346 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at a median of $45.95, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for those considering part-time or per-diem work, as many MRI technologists in the area may only work three days a week or take on occasional shifts. Given the variety of settings in which they operate, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers, these professionals can expect an hourly range from $32.95 at entry-level positions to as much as $61.58 for those at the top of their field in Santa Fe. Since these estimates derive from annual salary data, they reflect the diverse caseloads and responsibilities that technologists manage in various environments.
About the Santa Fe 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) | $32.95 | $263.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.50 | $308.03 |
| Median (P50) | $45.95 | $367.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.46 | $411.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.58 | $492.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Fe
Based on $45.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.95/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Fe, NM can expect to earn approximately $95,577 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,141. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Santa Fe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Fe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,838.03 | $7,965 | $95,577 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,102.82 | $4,779 | $57,346 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $735.21 | $3,186 | $38,231 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Santa Fe) | $45.95 |
| 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 Santa Fe, NM earn a median of $95,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% above the New Mexico state average of $94,637.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.95/hr = $57,346/year (purchasing power: $60,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,577/year (purchasing power: $101,247).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Santa Fe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Fe grew 30.1% from $33.64/hr (2019) to $43.75/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.26/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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe
When exploring the financial implications of part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist operating three days a week, or a total of 24 hours, can expect to earn an annual income significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per-diem work offers another avenue, with imaging professionals commonly billing between $55 and $85 per hour, and specialized cardiac MRI technologists able to command premium rates of $75 to $110 hourly. Additionally, travel MRI technologists can secure contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 each week, making this an appealing option for those seeking flexible earning potential. Hourly rates can vary substantially among employer types in Santa Fe; professionals may find different pay structures in hospital imaging departments compared to outpatient MRI facilities or orthopedic practices with on-site imaging. It's essential for MRI technologists to weigh higher hourly wages against benefits such as health insurance offered by traditional employers. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market rates and the advantages of various employment types is crucial for making the most informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Santa Fe, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Fe in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Santa Fe?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Fe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Santa Fe?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Fe?
Related Pages
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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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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