Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $86,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $86,620/year (≈ $41.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $89,207 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carol Stream, Illinois, is set at $86,620. This figure falls short of the national average, which stands at $100,283, reflecting a gap in the market that may impact job seekers. The local salary range spans from $61,121 at the 10th percentile to $114,519 at the 90th percentile. These salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, positioning Carol Stream as a competitive if not premium market for MRI professionals, especially those specializing in cardiac and neuro MRI. Given the rapid growth in cardiac MRI technology, the market in Carol Stream offers viable opportunities for techs with advanced certifications and specialized skills.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,121 | $29.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,822 | $36.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,620 | $41.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,714 | $46.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,519 | $55.06 |
Median Salary Position
13.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,398 (2026 est.). At $86,620, the local median is 13.62% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carol Stream Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $86,620/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,299 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.62% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $86,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.62% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $89,299.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream 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.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,620 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,207 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,409
2025 BLS Actual
$82,472
2026 Current Est.
$86,620
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,409 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,514 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,179 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,977 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,409 (2019) to $82,472 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,977 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,568 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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) | $61,121 – $76,822 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,822 – $86,620 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,620 – $96,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,714 – $114,519 |
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 Carol Stream
Despite a modest salary structure, the job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carol Stream remains solid, with ten professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index in the area is 97.1, which suggests that residents may find their purchasing power somewhat limited compared to national averages. High-paying employers in the region include orthopedic surgery practices, which often leverage on-site MRI, and medical imaging centers, particularly those specialized in cardiac and neuro imaging. Variances in salary within Carol Stream can be attributed to factors such as subspecialty expertise, shift differentials, and supplemental income opportunities from travel work or specialized certifications like MRSO. To maximize earnings in this competitive environment, technologists can benefit from continuously developing their skill sets, particularly in the high-demand areas of cardiac MRI and mpMRI, while exploring roles that offer additional compensation through call coverage and night shifts.
More salary data for Carol Stream, 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 $82,472 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream 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