Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Decatur, IL: $90,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Decatur, IL earns a median $90,585/year (≈ $43.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $93,290 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Illinois, magnetic resonance imaging technologists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $90,585 in 2026, which reflects a notable valuation in this specialized field. This salary range extends from $65,480 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $118,640 at the 90th percentile (P90), driven largely by subspecialties such as cardiac and neuro MRI, which command higher premiums in the local market. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate Decatur's competitive positioning in the healthcare sector, particularly considering that the national median salary stands at $100,283—indicating a slight lag in local compensation relative to national standards.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,480 | $31.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,368 | $36.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,585 | $43.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,005 | $48.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,640 | $57.04 |
Median Salary Position
9.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,160 (2026 est.). At $90,585, the local median is 9.67% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Decatur median: $90,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,335 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | -9.67% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Decatur, IL earn a median of $90,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $89,335.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur 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.
Decatur, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $90,585 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,290 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,311
2025 BLS Actual
$86,247
2026 Current Est.
$90,585
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,311 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,467 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,642 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,702 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,247 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,142 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $66,311 (2019) to $86,247 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,142 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,831 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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) | $65,480 – $76,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,368 – $90,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,585 – $100,005 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,005 – $118,640 |
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 Decatur
As the job market in Decatur hosts 13 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, understanding the cost of living is crucial for gauging purchasing power. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, the locality remains below the national average, making salaries relatively more favorable when considering daily expenses. In terms of top employers, hospital imaging departments often provide the most substantial pay, while outpatient MRI imaging centers, such as RadNet and SimonMed, follow closely behind. Variations in salary can stem from factors such as subspecialty expertise, including skills in cardiac MRI versus general MRI, shift differentials for evenings and weekends, and the necessity for on-call coverage at trauma centers. Technologists preparing to maximize their pay in Decatur may consider pursuing MRSO certification or specializing in high-demand areas, as these pathways often yield higher compensation opportunities. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring technologists navigate their careers effectively in Decatur's unique healthcare market.
More salary data for Decatur, 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 $86,247 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Decatur 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 Decatur 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