Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in St. Charles, IL: $88,062 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in St. Charles, IL earns a median $88,062/year (≈ $42.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in St. Charles's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $90,692 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 St. Charles, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $88,062, a figure that demonstrates a competitive edge compared to many other regions. With a salary range spanning from $64,556 at the 10th percentile to $110,508 at the 90th percentile, professionals in this field benefit significantly from the local market's unique demands, especially in subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. Such expertise is essential in a healthcare landscape that increasingly prioritizes advanced imaging technologies. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data point to a robust salary potential reflective of the skills required, indicating that those with specialized training may garner higher pay based on the demand for expert knowledge in such areas.
About the St. Charles Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,556 | $31.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,522 | $35.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,062 | $42.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,985 | $45.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,508 | $53.12 |
Median Salary Position
12.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Charles
In St. Charles, IL, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,952 (2026 est.). At $88,062, the local median is 12.19% below the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in St. Charles: You'd be above the median
How St. Charles Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
St. Charles median: $88,062/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Charles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $89,313 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | -12.19% less |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Charles, IL earn a median of $88,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $89,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Charles 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.
St. Charles, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A magnetic resonance imaging technologist earning $88,062 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,692 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,464
2025 BLS Actual
$83,845
2026 Current Est.
$88,062
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,464 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,588 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,933 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,399 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,062 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,492 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Charles metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $64,464 (2019) to $83,845 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,492 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,028 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Charles 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) | $64,556 – $74,522 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,522 – $88,062 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,062 – $94,985 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,985 – $110,508 |
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 St. Charles
Looking closer at the job market, St. Charles employs only seven magnetic resonance imaging technologists, presenting an opportunity for those entering the field. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1—below the national average—professionals may find their purchasing power impacted positively despite lower average salaries compared to the national median. Employment settings such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers often offer the most lucrative salaries. Factors like subspecialty knowledge, notably in cardiac MRI, significantly influence pay scales, with night shifts and call coverage also providing additional financial incentives. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing advanced certifications such as MRSO or targeting positions at trauma centers can offer substantial pay increases, enhancing their overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in St. Charles, IL.
More salary data for St. Charles, 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 $83,845 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the St. Charles 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 St. Charles 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