Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Hammond, LA: $85,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hammond, LA earns a median $85,091/year (≈ $40.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Hammond's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $94,231 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hammond, LA, the earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is characterized by a median annual salary of $85,091. This figure indicates a solid income level, especially when considering the salary range of $66,478 to $108,827. The local compensation estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity. When compared to the national median salary of $100,283 for this profession, Hammond's pay reflects a difference, highlighting how local market factors and the employment structure, such as the presence of hospitals and outpatient centers, can influence overall compensation. These dynamic conditions contribute to a competitive job market for MRI technologists in the area.
About the Hammond Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,478 | $31.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,749 | $35.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,091 | $40.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,597 | $44.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,827 | $52.32 |
Median Salary Position
15.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hammond
In Hammond, LA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,349 (2026 est.). At $85,091, the local median is 15.15% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hammond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hammond Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Hammond median: $85,091/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hammond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $90,522 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.15% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hammond, LA earn a median of $85,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.15% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.00% below the Louisiana state average of $90,522.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hammond has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hammond, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,091 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,231 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,289
2025 BLS Actual
$81,016
2026 Current Est.
$85,091
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,375 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,641 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,957 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,371 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hammond metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,289 (2019) to $81,016 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,371 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,082 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hammond 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,478 – $74,749 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,749 – $85,091 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,091 – $93,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,597 – $108,827 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Hammond
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hammond is relatively small, with only four individuals currently employed in this field. Despite this, the cost-of-living index stands at 90.3, indicating a lower-than-average living cost that can enhance the purchasing power of the salary. Among employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest pay compared to outpatient MRI imaging centers and mobile MRI companies. The variability in salaries can be attributed to various factors, including subspecialties like cardiac MRI, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and demand for call coverage at trauma centers. For technologists looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing MRSO certification and gaining experience in more specialized areas may provide an edge in this competitive market. Clearly, the finest strategies involve both professional development and an awareness of the local hiring landscape in Hammond, LA, which can be instrumental in shaping salary outcomes.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hammond, LA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Hammond?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Hammond?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,016 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Hammond metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hammond 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