Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $35.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in New Orleans, LA runs $35.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,482 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,690 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, the radiologic technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $35.81, which lags behind the national hourly median of $40.55. This pay rate allows for various work structures, particularly appealing to part-time or per-diem workers. For instance, a radiologic technologist working three days a week would take home about $1,000 a week, a feasible option for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $26.92 and top earners billing $49.03 an hour. These figures are reflective of official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates for 2026, highlighting the competitive yet regionally nuanced wage environment for radiology services in New Orleans.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.92 | $215.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.44 | $251.52 |
| Median (P50) | $35.81 | $286.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.32 | $322.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.03 | $392.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $35.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.81/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $74,483 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,971. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,432.37 | $6,207 | $74,483 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $859.42 | $3,724 | $44,690 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $572.95 | $2,483 | $29,793 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (New Orleans) | $35.81 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in New Orleans, LA earn a median of $74,482 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.70% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 12.40% above the Louisiana state average of $66,265.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.81/hr = $44,690/year (purchasing power: $48,263).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,483/year (purchasing power: $80,438).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in New Orleans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in New Orleans grew 26.5% from $26.89/hr (2019) to $34.01/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Orleans 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 5.29% 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 Radiologic Technologist and Technician in New Orleans
Analyzing part-time and per-diem opportunities provides insight into the earning potential within this field. A radiologic technologist and technician working part-time, for example, could expect to earn approximately $52,000 annually, compared to a full-time peer who earns around $74,482. Per diem roles are particularly lucrative; professionals often command between $40 to $60 per hour, with cross-trained CT or MRI specialists earning up to $75 per hour. Employment type plays a crucial role in pay variation—while hospital positions typically offer more stability and benefits, outpatient imaging centers or travel rad tech agencies might provide higher hourly rates but less security. Those contemplating hourly positions in New Orleans should weigh their need for comprehensive benefits against potentially higher wages without such perks. Effective negotiation skills become essential; knowing the standard radiologic technologist and technician hourly rate in LA can empower workers to secure a more favorable compensation package in this evolving job market.
More salary data for New Orleans, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in New Orleans in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in New Orleans?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in New Orleans paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in New Orleans?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in New Orleans?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
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 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in New Orleans. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov