Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Arlington Heights, IL: $87,919 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Arlington Heights, IL earns a median $87,919/year (≈ $42.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Arlington Heights's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $90,545 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Arlington Heights, IL, is projected to reach $87,919, reflecting the unique demands of this field, particularly for subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, which often command higher premiums in local pay structures. The salary range spanning from $66,434 at the 10th percentile to $118,860 at the 90th percentile indicates a lucrative potential driven largely by experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. Given the health care sector's robustness in Arlington Heights, those pursuing specialized training can find opportunities that not only meet but exceed entry-level expectations in earnings.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,434 | $31.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,213 | $36.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,919 | $42.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,087 | $47.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,860 | $57.15 |
Median Salary Position
12.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington Heights
In Arlington Heights, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,426 (2026 est.). At $87,919, the local median is 12.33% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Heights Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Arlington Heights median: $87,919/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,348 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.33% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $87,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.33% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $89,348.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington Heights has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington Heights, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $87,919 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,545 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,359
2025 BLS Actual
$83,708
2026 Current Est.
$87,919
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,359 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,481 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,215 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,919 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,341 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington Heights metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,359 (2019) to $83,708 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,341 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,982 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,434 – $76,213 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,213 – $87,919 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,919 – $99,087 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,087 – $118,860 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Arlington Heights
With just 18 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Arlington Heights, the local job market presents a concentrated opportunity in a field where competition may lead to varying pay rates based on the specific environment. The cost-of-living index for the area stands at 97.1, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home purchasing power can be more favorable for residents, especially for those in higher-paying roles. Employers that historically offer competitive salaries include local hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and orthopedic practices with integrated imaging services. The salary disparity within the market can be attributed to factors such as subspecialty skills, shift differentials for less desirable hours, and premium pay for travel assignments. For optimal earnings in Arlington Heights, pursuing certifications such as MRSO and filling niche roles, particularly in cardiac MRI, can substantially increase pay.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,708 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Arlington Heights metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington Heights 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