Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Evanston, IL: $88,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Evanston, IL earns a median $88,838/year (≈ $42.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $91,491 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median annual salary of $88,838 as of the 2026 projections. The salary distribution in this field varies widely, with figures ranging from $61,499 at the lower end (P10) to $121,723 at the upper end (P90). These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional cost of living adjustments. Compared to the national median salary of $100,283, local salaries reflect a slightly lower compensation level, which indicates a more competitive job market for MRI technologists in the area. Healthcare institutions in Evanston, whether hospitals or outpatient imaging centers, shape this landscape and provide varying pay scales for technologists.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,499 | $29.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,788 | $35.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,838 | $42.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,369 | $48.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,723 | $58.52 |
Median Salary Position
11.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,224 (2026 est.). At $88,838, the local median is 11.41% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Evanston median: $88,838/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,374 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.41% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Evanston, IL earn a median of $88,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $89,374.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,838 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,491 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,032
2025 BLS Actual
$84,583
2026 Current Est.
$88,838
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,032 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,166 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,949 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $65,032 (2019) to $84,583 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,274 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $61,499 – $72,788 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,788 – $88,838 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,838 – $101,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,369 – $121,723 |
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 Evanston
With 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the Evanston area, job security appears stable, despite the competitive pay. The cost of living index for the city stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, take-home purchasing power remains relatively favorable. In terms of compensation, hospitals generally provide the highest pay, followed closely by outpatient facilities. Factors such as subspecialty expertise in areas like cardiac MRI and the demand for night or weekend availability can lead to significant differences in earnings. Additionally, pursuing certifications like the MRSO or engaging with travel agencies could enhance overall pay. To maximize earnings, MRI technologists should consider expanding their skill set and applying for positions that offer incentives for specialty training and flexible shifts within Evanston's diverse medical landscape.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Evanston, IL in 2026?
Is Evanston, IL a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Evanston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Evanston?
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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 $84,583 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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