Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in DeKalb, IL: $85,968 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in DeKalb, IL earns a median $85,968/year (≈ $41.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $88,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $85,968 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge in the job market. The salary range for this role varies significantly, from $66,685 at the 10th percentile to $115,446 at the 90th percentile, illustrating substantial earning potential based on experience, skills, and subspecialty training. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data show that while DeKalb's figures are below the national median, there is room for growth, especially for those skilled in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI and neuroimaging. The presence of various healthcare facilities also creates a vibrant market for these professionals, enhancing opportunities for better compensation through specialization.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,685 | $32.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,457 | $36.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,968 | $41.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,995 | $44.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,446 | $55.50 |
Median Salary Position
14.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,761 (2026 est.). At $85,968, the local median is 14.27% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $85,968/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,364 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -14.27% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $85,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.27% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $89,364.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb 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.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $85,968 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,536 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,931
2025 BLS Actual
$81,851
2026 Current Est.
$85,968
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,931 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,029 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,317 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,658 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,787 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,968 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,292 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $62,931 (2019) to $81,851 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,292 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,361 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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) | $66,685 – $75,457 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,457 – $85,968 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,968 – $91,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,995 – $115,446 |
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 DeKalb
The job market in DeKalb is relatively stable, with only nine magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed locally, reflecting a close-knit community. The local cost of living index stands at 97.1, which is slightly below the national average, making salaries more comfortable for residents. Those seeking the highest magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in DeKalb, IL, may find lucrative opportunities in hospital imaging departments or specialized outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed. Factors influencing salary disparities include subspecialty expertise, particularly in cardiac MRI or neuroimaging, as well as shift differentials for night and weekend work. It's advisable for technologists to consider obtaining MRSO certification or exploring options in travel MRI roles to maximize their earnings in this market.
More salary data for DeKalb, 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 $81,851 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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