Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Carlsbad, NM: $89,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Carlsbad, NM earns a median $89,759/year (≈ $43.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Carlsbad's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $95,084 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carlsbad, New Mexico can expect a median annual salary of $89,759, which is notably lower than the national average of $100,283. The salary spectrum ranges from $67,091 at the 10th percentile to $114,824 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience and specialty. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, provide a snapshot of local compensation expectations amidst a stable but competitive market landscape. With limited opportunities—only seven MRI technologists currently employed in the area—most jobs are likely found within local hospitals or specialized outpatient centers, which influences overall pay structures significantly.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,091 | $32.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,191 | $37.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,759 | $43.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,875 | $47.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,824 | $55.20 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, NM, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,733 (2026 est.). At $89,759, the local median is 10.49% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carlsbad: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carlsbad Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Carlsbad median: $89,759/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carlsbad Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $94,682 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -10.49% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $89,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $94,682.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carlsbad has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carlsbad, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $89,759 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,084 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,706
2025 BLS Actual
$85,460
2026 Current Est.
$89,759
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,706 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,852 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,242 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,952 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,273 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $65,706 (2019) to $85,460 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,273 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,567 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carlsbad 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) | $67,091 – $77,191 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,191 – $89,759 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,759 – $97,875 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,875 – $114,824 |
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 Carlsbad
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carlsbad operates within a cost-of-living index of 94.4, suggesting a lower-than-average expense for residents, which may enhance overall purchasing power. While hospital imaging departments typically offer competitive salaries, outpatient MRI facilities may provide varied compensation depending on individual patient volumes and specialties, such as cardiac MRI, which remains in high demand. The gap between lower and higher pay can be attributed to factors like subspecialty training, shift differentials, and mobile MRI opportunities, which often pay premiums due to travel logistics. For those looking to maximize their income in Carlsbad, obtaining certifications like MRSO or venturing into subspecialties such as neuro or cardiac MRI can be valuable strategies, aligning with the evolving landscape of MRI technology and patient care.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Carlsbad, NM in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Carlsbad?
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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 $85,460 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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