Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lafayette, LA: $92,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lafayette, LA earns a median $92,949/year (≈ $44.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $102,934 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Lafayette, LA is estimated to reach $92,949 in 2026, which reflects a moderate decrease when compared to the national median of $100,283. This profession in Lafayette showcases a salary range from $64,810 at the 10th percentile to $122,911 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential based on experience, expertise, and specialty. Given the rising demand for subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which significantly enhance earning capacity, Lafayette offers a competitive market for MRI technologists, especially those with advanced credentials. The local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight the opportunities within oncology, orthopedics, and trauma care that can drive higher compensation.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,810 | $31.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,222 | $38.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,949 | $44.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,673 | $49.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,911 | $59.09 |
Median Salary Position
7.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, LA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,101 (2026 est.). At $92,949, the local median is 7.31% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lafayette Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $92,949/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $90,594 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -7.31% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lafayette, LA earn a median of $92,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.60% above the Louisiana state average of $90,594.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette 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.
Lafayette, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $92,949 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,934 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,790
2025 BLS Actual
$88,498
2026 Current Est.
$92,949
2019–2027 Growth
+71.9%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,625 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 55.8% from $56,790 (2019) to $88,498 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,625 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,835 (71.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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) | $64,810 – $80,222 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,222 – $92,949 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,949 – $102,673 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,673 – $122,911 |
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 Lafayette
In Lafayette, the local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists remains stable with around 18 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 90.3, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the affordability can offer a favorable take-home purchasing power. Leading employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI imaging centers, including RadNet and SimonMed, typically offer the highest compensation packages. Variance in pay is driven by factors like subspecialty focus, shift differentials, and call coverage responsibilities. Technologists may benefit from considering night and weekend shifts, which often carry additional premiums. Additionally, pursuing certification like MRSO and seeking cross-training opportunities may enhance long-term earning potential in the diversified Lafayette market for MRI professionals.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Lafayette?
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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 $88,498 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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