MRI Technologist Pay

Bartlett vs Rockford: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Bartlett, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bartlett, IL
$87,702
$42.17/hr
Rockford, IL
$99,631
$47.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBartlett, ILRockford, IL
Median Salary$87,702$99,631
Hourly Rate$42.17$47.90
Entry Level (P10)$63,690$67,566
25th Percentile$73,773$84,665
75th Percentile$95,924$105,240
Top Earner (P90)$109,566$127,790
Total Employed9100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bartlett ($87,702) and Rockford ($99,631) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BartlettRockfordMedian Salary$87,702$99,631Entry Level (P10)$63,690$67,566Top Earner (P90)$109,566$127,790US Median $100,283

Verdict

Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bartlett.

The salary gap between Bartlett and Rockford is $11,929 (13.60%). Rockford's median is -0.65% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bartlett spans $45,876,Rockford spans $60,224. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Bartlett
P10 (Entry)$63,690
P25$73,773
Median$87,702
P75$95,924
P90 (Top)$109,566
Rockford
P10 (Entry)$67,566
P25$84,665
Median$99,631
P75$105,240
P90 (Top)$127,790

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($108,114 effective) pays 19.70% more than Bartlett ($90,321 effective).

Bartlett
Nominal: $87,702
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $90,321
Rockford
Nominal: $99,631
CoL Index: 92.154
Adjusted: $108,114

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bartlett if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Rockford if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,631/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,790)
  • Larger job market (100 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,114)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Bartlett grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.

Bartlett, IL

+4.3%

$80,070 (2024) → $83,502 (2025)

Rockford, IL

+19.5%

$79,410 (2019) → $94,860 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Bartlett or Rockford?

Rockford has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $99,631/year, compared to Bartlett at $87,702/year — a difference of $11,929 (13.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bartlett and Rockford?

Bartlett magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $42.17/hr while Rockford hygienists earn $47.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bartlett to Rockford as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bartlett and Rockford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bartlett = $90,321, Rockford = $108,114), job availability (9 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Bartlett vs Rockford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63,690 in Bartlett and $67,566 in Rockford. The Rockford area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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