Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Champaign, IL: $89,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Champaign, IL earns a median $89,984/year (≈ $43.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Champaign's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $92,671 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A career as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Champaign, Illinois, brings an attractive median annual salary of $89,984, representing a competitive rate within the local job market. Geographically, salaries can vary significantly, with a range from $64,159 at the lower end to a high of $119,912. Estimates reflect local economic conditions based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and consider regional price adjustments. Notably, the cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties command premiums in this area. This trend underscores the high demand for specialized skills, especially given the increasing complexities associated with advanced imaging techniques in clinical settings.
About the Champaign Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,159 | $30.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,127 | $36.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,984 | $43.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,647 | $48.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,912 | $57.65 |
Median Salary Position
10.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Champaign
In Champaign, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,753 (2026 est.). At $89,984, the local median is 10.27% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Champaign: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Champaign Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Champaign median: $89,984/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Champaign Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,359 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -10.27% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Champaign, IL earn a median of $89,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.70% above the Illinois state average of $89,359.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Champaign 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.
Champaign, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $89,984 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,671 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,490
2025 BLS Actual
$85,675
2026 Current Est.
$89,984
2019–2027 Growth
+32.2%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,511 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Champaign metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 19.8% from $71,490 (2019) to $85,675 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,511 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,021 (32.20%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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) | $64,159 – $75,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,127 – $89,984 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,984 – $100,647 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,647 – $119,912 |
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 Champaign
In Champaign, a total of 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are currently employed, offering a glimpse into the local job market's dynamics. The cost of living index is set at 97.1, indicating that resident professionals could enjoy greater purchasing power compared to areas with higher living costs. Various employers contribute to the salary variation; for instance, hospital imaging departments typically offer competitive wages, but mobile MRI companies and outpatient imaging centers like RadNet or SimonMed can also be lucrative options. Factors influencing compensation include subspecialty expertise, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and certain stipends for certifications like MRSO. To maximize earnings in Champaign, professionals should consider upskilling in high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI or pursuing roles at trauma centers that can command higher pay due to call responsibilities.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Champaign, IL in 2026?
Is Champaign, IL a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Champaign?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Champaign?
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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 $85,675 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Champaign 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 Champaign 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