Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Chicago, IL: $105,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Chicago, IL earns a median $105,797/year (≈ $50.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $102,126 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.4% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Chicago is projected to reach an impressive $105,797 per year, significantly higher than the national average of $100,283. This salary reflects a wide range from $84,917 at the lower end (P10) to $115,060 at the higher end (P90), showcasing the diverse opportunities for MRI technologists in the city. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, demonstrate that competitive rates are often influenced by factors such as shift differentials, particularly for night and weekend shifts, and call coverage in busy hospital settings. Given Chicago's robust healthcare market, technologists can anticipate a competitive compensation environment spurred by the demand for specialized imaging services.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,917 | $40.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,729 | $42.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,797 | $50.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,990 | $52.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,060 | $55.32 |
Median Salary Position
5.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,143 (2026 est.). At $105,797, the local median is 5.5% above the national median of $100,283.
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How Chicago Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Chicago median: $105,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,355 | +18.40% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +5.50% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $105,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.50% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 18.40% above the Illinois state average of $89,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,797 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,126 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,810
2025 BLS Actual
$100,730
2026 Current Est.
$105,797
2019–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 34.6% from $74,810 (2019) to $100,730 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,308 (48.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $84,917 – $88,729 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,729 – $105,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,797 – $108,990 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,990 – $115,060 |
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 Chicago
The local job market illustrates a healthy demand for MRI technologists, with approximately 1,930 professionals employed in the Chicago area. This figure highlights the strength of the sector, but it's essential to consider the cost of living index at 103.595, which exceeds the national average and can impact take-home pay. Key employers in Chicago, including hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the highest salaries. Higher pay can often be found in subspecialties such as cardiac MRI, neuro, or in settings requiring emergency call coverage. To maximize earning potential in this specific market, MRI technologists can pursue MRSO certification, seek positions at facilities offering stipends for specialized skills, and consider travel assignments that provide premium pay. Strategically choosing roles that incorporate these lucrative elements can significantly enhance overall compensation in the competitive Chicago IL landscape.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chicago, IL in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Chicago?
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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 $100,730 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Chicago 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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