Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Elgin, IL: $104,852 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elgin, IL earns a median $104,852/year (≈ $50.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $107,984 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.4% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elgin, Illinois, is projected to be $104,852, surpassing the national median of $100,283 by about 4.56%. The salary range for this role in the area extends from $76,767 at the 10th percentile to $143,956 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, illustrating how competitive the magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Elgin IL can be. Given the presence of numerous healthcare facilities in Elgin, including hospitals and outpatient imaging centers, there is ample opportunity for MRI technologists. The local job market, with 16 technologists currently employed, further reflects the growing demand for this specialized role.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,767 | $36.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,356 | $42.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,852 | $50.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,973 | $57.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,956 | $69.21 |
Median Salary Position
4.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,189 (2026 est.). At $104,852, the local median is 4.56% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Elgin median: $104,852/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,312 | +17.40% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +4.56% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elgin, IL earn a median of $104,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.56% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 17.40% above the Illinois state average of $89,312.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin 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.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $104,852 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,984 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,755
2025 BLS Actual
$99,831
2026 Current Est.
$104,852
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,885 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,556 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,645 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,831 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,852 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,127 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $76,755 (2019) to $99,831 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,127 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,372 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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) | $76,767 – $87,356 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,356 – $104,852 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,852 – $118,973 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,973 – $143,956 |
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 Elgin
Cost of living in Elgin, with a CoL index of 97.1, indicates that salaries stretch further compared to other regions, enhancing the purchasing power of professionals in this field. Notably, employers such as hospitals often provide better compensation than outpatient imaging chains, but mobile MRI companies and orthopedic practices offering on-site imaging can also be competitive in their pay structures. The disparity in salaries may be influenced by factors like subspecialty expertise—technologists focused on cardiac MRI typically earn more than those in general practices—as well as shift differentials and on-call compensation. To maximize earning potential, MRI technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications such as MRSO or specialized training in high-demand areas like cardiac and prostate mpMRI. This proactive approach can lead to greater opportunities in a growing field within Elgin's healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Elgin, 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 $99,831 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Elgin 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 Elgin 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