MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Lombard, IL
$86,565
$41.61/hr
Rockford, IL
$99,631
$47.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLombard, ILRockford, IL
Median Salary$86,565$99,631
Hourly Rate$41.61$47.90
Entry Level (P10)$60,991$67,566
25th Percentile$76,706$84,665
75th Percentile$96,587$105,240
Top Earner (P90)$114,339$127,790
Total Employed8100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lombard ($86,565) and Rockford ($99,631) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.LombardRockfordMedian Salary$86,565$99,631Entry Level (P10)$60,991$67,566Top Earner (P90)$114,339$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 Lombard.

The salary gap between Lombard and Rockford is $13,066 (15.09%). 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 Lombard spans $53,348,Rockford spans $60,224. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Lombard
P10 (Entry)$60,991
P25$76,706
Median$86,565
P75$96,587
P90 (Top)$114,339
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 21.27% more than Lombard ($89,150 effective).

Lombard
Nominal: $86,565
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $89,150
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 Lombard 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 Lombard grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Rockford over the same period.

Lombard, IL

+4.3%

$79,032 (2024) → $82,419 (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: Lombard or Rockford?

Rockford has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $99,631/year, compared to Lombard at $86,565/year — a difference of $13,066 (15.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lombard and Rockford?

Lombard magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $41.61/hr while Rockford hygienists earn $47.90/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lombard and Rockford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lombard = $89,150, Rockford = $108,114), job availability (8 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $60,991 in Lombard and $67,566 in Rockford. The Rockford area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

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