MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Rockford, IL
$99,631
$47.90/hr
Springfield, IL
$89,339
$42.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRockford, ILSpringfield, IL
Median Salary$99,631$89,339
Hourly Rate$47.90$42.96
Entry Level (P10)$67,566$72,723
25th Percentile$84,665$85,379
75th Percentile$105,240$103,959
Top Earner (P90)$127,790$106,332
Total Employed100100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Rockford ($99,631) and Springfield ($89,339) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.RockfordSpringfieldMedian Salary$99,631$89,339Entry Level (P10)$67,566$72,723Top Earner (P90)$127,790$106,332US Median $100,283

Verdict

Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.

The salary gap between Rockford and Springfield is $10,292 (11.52%). 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 Rockford spans $60,224,Springfield spans $33,609. Rockford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Rockford
P10 (Entry)$67,566
P25$84,665
Median$99,631
P75$105,240
P90 (Top)$127,790
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$72,723
P25$85,379
Median$89,339
P75$103,959
P90 (Top)$106,332

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($108,114 effective) pays 12.24% more than Springfield ($96,328 effective).

Rockford
Nominal: $99,631
CoL Index: 92.154
Adjusted: $108,114
Springfield
Nominal: $89,339
CoL Index: 92.745
Adjusted: $96,328

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Rockford if…

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

Choose Springfield if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Rockford grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Rockford, IL

+19.5%

$79,410 (2019) → $94,860 (2025)

Springfield, IL

+28.6%

$66,130 (2019) → $85,060 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Rockford has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $99,631/year, compared to Springfield at $89,339/year — a difference of $10,292 (11.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Springfield?

Rockford magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $47.90/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $42.96/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Rockford and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Rockford = $108,114, Springfield = $96,328), job availability (100 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,566 in Rockford and $72,723 in Springfield. The Springfield 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