Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Normal, IL: $86,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Normal, IL earns a median $86,616/year (≈ $41.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Normal's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $89,203 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Normal, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $86,616. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional price variances. Professionals in this field experience a salary range that spans from $60,882 at the lower end (P10) to $114,550 at the top (P90). Factors such as shift differentials, particularly for night and weekend work, as well as call coverage commitments, significantly enhance compensation for those working in high-demand areas, thus making Normal's MRI technologist salaries competitive despite being lower than the national median of $100,283.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,882 | $29.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,658 | $34.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,616 | $41.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,090 | $46.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,550 | $55.07 |
Median Salary Position
13.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Normal
In Normal, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,668 (2026 est.). At $86,616, the local median is 13.63% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Normal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Normal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Normal median: $86,616/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Normal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,295 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.63% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Normal, IL earn a median of $86,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.63% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $89,295.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Normal 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.
Normal, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $86,616 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,203 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,406
2025 BLS Actual
$82,468
2026 Current Est.
$86,616
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,406 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,511 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,817 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,175 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,078 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,468 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,973 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Normal metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,406 (2019) to $82,468 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,973 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,567 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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) | $60,882 – $71,658 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,658 – $86,616 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,616 – $96,090 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,090 – $114,550 |
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 Normal
In Normal, the job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is relatively stable, with only eight technologists currently employed in this area. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, which suggests a lower-than-average expense for housing and goods compared to national benchmarks, positively impacting take-home pay. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers tend to offer the highest salaries. The variability in pay can be attributed to several factors: subspecializations in fields like cardiac MRI can drive higher wages, while weekend shifts or call coverage at trauma centers also yield significant pay increases. As such, those looking to maximize their compensation should consider pursuing certifications such as MRSO or gaining experience in high-demand subspecialties, as well as seeking opportunities for overtime or flexible shifts with favorable pay rates.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Normal, IL in 2026?
Is Normal, IL a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Normal?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Normal?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Normal?
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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 $82,468 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Normal 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 Normal 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