Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $84,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $84,512/year (≈ $40.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $87,036 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elmhurst, Illinois, is projected to be $84,512. This figure reflects local compensation trends, which are influenced by factors like shift differentials and call coverage, driving top-tier earnings in the field. The salary range extends from $63,214 at the 10th percentile to $107,746 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy variation based on experience, specialization, and work conditions. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Given that the national median is significantly higher at $100,283, MRI technologists in Elmhurst find themselves earning approximately 15.73% less than their counterparts nationwide, yet the local market remains competitive and vital due to the demand for specialized skills.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,214 | $30.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,449 | $34.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,512 | $40.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,932 | $44.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,746 | $51.80 |
Median Salary Position
15.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,532 (2026 est.). At $84,512, the local median is 15.73% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elmhurst Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $84,512/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,337 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -15.73% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $84,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $89,337.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst 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.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $84,512 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $87,036 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,866
2025 BLS Actual
$80,465
2026 Current Est.
$84,512
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,866 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,495 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,571 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,158 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,763 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $61,866 (2019) to $80,465 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,763 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,897 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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) | $63,214 – $72,449 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,449 – $84,512 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,512 – $91,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,932 – $107,746 |
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 Elmhurst
The job market in Elmhurst, with nine employed magnetic resonance imaging technologists, presents a moderately stable environment for professionals in this field. While the cost-of-living index sits at 97.1, slightly below the national average, it influences take-home pay and purchasing power for MRI specialists. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient centers such as RadNet and SimonMed often offer the most competitive compensation. The disparity in pay depends on several factors, including subspecialty focus, with areas like cardiac MRI commanding higher salaries. Additionally, those working nights, weekends, or in trauma centers can benefit significantly from shift differentials and call coverage stipends. To maximize earnings in Elmhurst, MRI technologists should consider obtaining MRSO certification and exploring roles with mobile MRI companies or travel agencies, as these avenues can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 $80,465 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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