Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $44.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in South Valley, NM runs $44.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,676 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,000 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, New Mexico, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earns a median hourly pay of $44.07, which is about 8.58% lower than the national median of $48.21. This rate significantly impacts part-time professionals and those working per diem within the field. For instance, a technologist working three days a week (24 hours total) at this median rate would earn approximately $2,113 monthly. The hourly pay ranges from $31.02 for entry-level positions to $58.06 for the most experienced technologists. With diverse work environments—such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI units, and specialized research labs—this range reflects the varying responsibilities and complexities associated with different settings in healthcare.
About the South Valley 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) | $31.02 | $248.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.03 | $312.23 |
| Median (P50) | $44.07 | $352.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.22 | $393.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.06 | $464.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $44.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.07/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $91,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,885. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,762.82 | $7,639 | $91,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,057.69 | $4,583 | $55,000 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $705.13 | $3,056 | $36,667 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (South Valley) | $44.07 |
| 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 South Valley, NM earn a median of $91,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $94,707.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.07/hr = $55,000/year (purchasing power: $58,263).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,667/year (purchasing power: $97,105).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Valley grew 30.1% from $32.26/hr (2019) to $41.96/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.29/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 South Valley 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 South Valley
When considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist's take-home pay can vary greatly from their full-time counterparts. While a full-time technologist can expect stable income, those working per diem enjoy the flexibility of scheduling but often at higher rates; many per diem techs bill between $55 and $85 an hour, depending on their specific expertise, such as cardiac MRI, which can command up to $110 per hour. In South Valley, hourly rates also differ based on employer types. For instance, hospital imaging departments may offer lower wages reflective of benefits packages, whereas mobile MRI companies and specialized orthopedic practices can provide higher pay without benefits. Understanding these nuances is essential for negotiating favorable terms, especially for those contemplating whether to accept lower hourly pay for consistent health benefits or opt for potentially higher hourly rates without security. Aspiring technologists should keep in mind these dynamics as they position themselves within a competitive landscape emphasizing the importance of specialty training, such as in cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI, to boost earning potential over time.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in South Valley?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in South Valley?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in South Valley?
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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 South Valley. 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 South Valley 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