Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Oak Lawn, IL: $87,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Oak Lawn, IL earns a median $87,055/year (≈ $41.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Oak Lawn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $89,655 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oak Lawn, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $87,055 in 2026. The salary range for this position varies significantly, from $64,065 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as much as $115,994 at the top (90th percentile). These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost of living, reflect the competitive nature of the market. Shift differentials and responsibilities such as call coverage can substantially increase earnings, highlighting the value of adaptability and availability in this field. Given the demand for MRI technologists, particularly in specialized areas like cardiac and neuro imaging, job opportunities are promising in Oak Lawn, further enhancing the compensation potential.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,065 | $30.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,540 | $34.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,055 | $41.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,095 | $46.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,994 | $55.77 |
Median Salary Position
13.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Lawn
In Oak Lawn, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,929 (2026 est.). At $87,055, the local median is 13.19% below the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Lawn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Lawn Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Oak Lawn median: $87,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Lawn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,379 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -13.19% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $87,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $89,379.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Lawn 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.
Oak Lawn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $87,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,655 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,727
2025 BLS Actual
$82,886
2026 Current Est.
$87,055
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,727 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,156 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,526 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,479 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,434 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Lawn metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $63,727 (2019) to $82,886 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,434 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,707 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Lawn 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) | $64,065 – $72,540 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,540 – $87,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,055 – $97,095 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,095 – $115,994 |
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 Oak Lawn
Currently, there are 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Oak Lawn, indicating a stable job market despite the cost of living index being slightly below the national average at 97.1. This can affect take-home pay and purchasing power, making it essential for technologists to strategically select their employers. Major providers in Oak Lawn, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers, often offer the highest compensation. Factors influencing the salary range include subspecialty expertise, particularly in demand areas like cardiac imaging, along with shift differentials and call responsibilities. Additionally, those holding MRSO certifications or taking on applications specialist roles can further enhance their income. To maximize pay in this market, technologists should seek opportunities for cross-training, stay informed about emerging imaging technologies, and consider travel assignments that often come with premium pay.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Oak Lawn, IL in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Oak Lawn?
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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 $82,886 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn 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