Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Joliet, IL: $88,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Joliet, IL earns a median $88,763/year (≈ $42.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $91,414 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to reach a median annual salary of $88,763 in 2026, which is approximately 11.49% lower than the national median of $100,283. The salary spectrum for this role ranges from $64,319 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $120,533 for the top earners (90th percentile). Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living, reflect the dynamics of the imaging market where shift differentials and call coverage play vital roles in maximizing top-end earnings. This comprehensive salary outlook suggests a competitive market for MRI technologists in Joliet, influenced heavily by external factors affecting job availability and technology advancements.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,319 | $30.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,099 | $36.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,763 | $42.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,924 | $48.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,533 | $57.95 |
Median Salary Position
11.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,214 (2026 est.). At $88,763, the local median is 11.49% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Joliet median: $88,763/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,299 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -11.49% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Joliet, IL earn a median of $88,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $89,299.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet 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.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,763 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,414 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,977
2025 BLS Actual
$84,512
2026 Current Est.
$88,763
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,977 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,512 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,228 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,977 (2019) to $84,512 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,228 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,251 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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) | $64,319 – $75,099 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,099 – $88,763 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,763 – $99,924 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,924 – $120,533 |
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 Joliet
Joliet's job market, with only 25 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed locally, offers an interesting perspective on compensation dynamics. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating that Joliet is slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of salaries here. Employers that may provide higher pay include local hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed. Pay disparities can often be driven by subspecialties, with cardiac MRI typically commanding higher salaries compared to general MRI. Additionally, those in night shifts or working weekends frequently receive better compensation due to enhanced responsibilities. To maximize earnings in this particular environment, technologists should consider pursuing MRSO certification or seek employment at trauma centers which often provide additional call coverage pay. Understanding these local market nuances can lead to more strategic career planning.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 $84,512 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Joliet 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 Joliet 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