Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Northbrook, IL: $88,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Northbrook, IL earns a median $88,118/year (≈ $42.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Northbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $90,750 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Northbrook, Illinois, are projected to earn an annual median salary of $88,118, with a range from $64,597 at the 10th percentile to $113,806 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as subspecialty training—especially in cardiac MRI and neuroimaging—can significantly elevate compensation levels in this market. The salary estimates are adjusted for regional cost factors based on BLS state-level data, and Northbrook's competitive position is complemented by a relatively low cost of living index of 97.1, suggesting advantageous purchasing power for local technologists as they advance their careers.
About the Northbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,597 | $31.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,637 | $35.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,118 | $42.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,945 | $46.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,806 | $54.71 |
Median Salary Position
12.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northbrook
In Northbrook, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,209 (2026 est.). At $88,118, the local median is 12.13% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northbrook: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northbrook Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Northbrook median: $88,118/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,369 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.13% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Northbrook, IL earn a median of $88,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.13% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $89,369.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northbrook 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.
Northbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,118 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,750 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$64,505
2025 BLS Actual
$83,898
2026 Current Est.
$88,118
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,505 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,375 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,582 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,898 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,550 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northbrook metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,505 (2019) to $83,898 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,550 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,045 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northbrook 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) | $64,597 – $74,637 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,637 – $88,118 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,118 – $96,945 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,945 – $113,806 |
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 Northbrook
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist job market in Northbrook holds steady with 8 professionals currently employed. The competitive salary structure reflects broader trends, with specialized roles often attracting the highest wages, particularly within hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed. With cost-of-living considerations, effective strategies to maximize earnings may include pursuing additional certifications such as MRSO, seeking night shift differentials, and taking on positions in trauma centers which may offer premium pay for availability on weekends and holidays. Additionally, technologists should leverage opportunities in orthopedic surgery practices and neuroscience institutes where MRI services are integral, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the evolving imaging landscape in Northbrook, IL.
More salary data for Northbrook, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Northbrook, IL in 2026?
Is Northbrook, IL a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Northbrook?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Northbrook?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Northbrook?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 $83,898 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Northbrook 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 Northbrook 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