Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $86,368 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Des Plaines, IL earns a median $86,368/year (≈ $41.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Des Plaines's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $88,947 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Plaines, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $86,368, which reflects the growing appreciation for this specialty, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties. Salaries in this market showcase a wide range, with earnings starting at $62,840 for entry-level positions (P10) and potentially reaching up to $113,738 for the most experienced professionals (P90). With careful consideration given to regional cost adjustments derived from BLS state-level data, these figures provide a compelling snapshot of local compensation dynamics. For technologists in Des Plaines, the opportunity for specialized skills in high-demand areas significantly enhances their earning potential in this validated market.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,840 | $30.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,163 | $34.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,368 | $41.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,525 | $45.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,738 | $54.68 |
Median Salary Position
13.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,898 (2026 est.). At $86,368, the local median is 13.88% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Plaines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Plaines Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Des Plaines median: $86,368/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Plaines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,316 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.88% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $86,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.88% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $89,316.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Plaines 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.
Des Plaines, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,368 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,947 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$63,224
2025 BLS Actual
$82,232
2026 Current Est.
$86,368
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,224 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,327 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,626 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,977 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,852 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,368 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,713 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,224 (2019) to $82,232 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,713 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,489 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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) | $62,840 – $71,163 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,163 – $86,368 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,368 – $95,525 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,525 – $113,738 |
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 Des Plaines
Beyond salary figures, the local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Plaines appears stable, with 12 professionals currently employed across various facilities. The cost of living index sits at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries may lag behind the national median, the relative affordability of the area can positively influence purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments often yield the highest pay, although outpatient MRI centers such as RadNet and SimonMed may offer competitive wages as well. The disparity between low and high pay can be attributed to subspecialty demand, with technologists focusing on cardiac MRI commanding premiums, especially for shift differentials and travel assignments. To maximize earning potential, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO and seek opportunities for overtime, particularly in trauma centers, as well as developing relationships with agencies that facilitate lucrative travel assignments.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Des Plaines, IL in 2026?
Is Des Plaines, IL a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Des Plaines?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Des Plaines?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Des Plaines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 $82,232 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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