Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Collinsville, IL: $62,878 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Collinsville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,878 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,756 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,362) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the magnetic resonance imaging technologist field in Collinsville, Illinois, the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary is projected to be around $62,878 in 2026. This figure falls below the city's median annual salary of $87,362, indicating a noticeable gap as entry-level professionals establish their careers. Over the first few years, there is potential for progression, with salaries anticipated to rise to approximately $73,069 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median pay as skills develop and experience increases. Given the forecast growth rate of 5.03% in this field, Collinsville presents a favorable job market for new MRI tech graduates, offering opportunities to grow and advance in a specialty that consistently provides robust demand for skilled professionals.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collinsville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Collinsville
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Collinsville, IL typically start between $62,878 and $73,069 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,690 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,362 — 12.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Illinois of $7,000 represents just 11.13% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($62,878/year) in Collinsville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.
MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Collinsville
- 1Research the Collinsville market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $62,878 to $73,069, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Collinsville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Collinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collinsville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in Collinsville is $48,690 ( 77.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,878, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,568.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,451
2025 BLS Actual
$59,867
2026 Current Est.
$62,878
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,451 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,954 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,368 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,602 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,607 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,867 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,878 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,041 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Collinsville, IL grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,451 in 2019 to $59,867 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,041. New graduates entering the Collinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Collinsville
To maximize starting pay as a new grad magnetic resonance imaging technologist, graduates should consider securing positions at local outpatient MRI centers or academic medical institutions that provide opportunities for on-the-job training. In Collinsville, facilities may prefer candidates with ARRT registration in radiography (R) and the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification, as well as those who have completed the required state licensure. Specialized trainings such as the cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI pathways can also enhance earning potential. As MRI technology evolves, new grads should remain aware of advancements like the adoption of 3T scanners in various imaging centers, which drive the need for additional specialized training. Realistically, salary growth for those entering the field is promising, especially within the first three years, as demand for MRI technologists continues to rise within the healthcare sector in Collinsville and the surrounding regions in Illinois.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Collinsville in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Collinsville?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Collinsville?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Collinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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