Illinois · BLS SOC 29-2035

MRI Technologist salary in Illinois

Q: What is the average mri technologist salary in Illinois?

The median mri technologist salary in Illinois is $86,930 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $59,910; the top 10% earn $108,280 or more. About 1,815 people work in this role across the state.

Q: How does Illinois mri technologist pay compare to the national average?

Illinois's median of $86,930 is $2,530 above the U.S. national median of $84,400. After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 99.4), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $87,455.

Median $86,930 · Top 10% earn $108,280+ · Roughly 1,815 workers in Illinois. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Illinois median: $86,930; $41.79/hr
Top 10%: $108,280; 90th percentile
Bottom 10%: $59,910; Entry-level range
Real pay: $87,455; CoL-adjusted (RPP 99.4)

Illinois pays close to the U.S. median for mri technologists — $86,930 versus the national median of $84,400. Real purchasing power tracks roughly the U.S. average. The state employs roughly 1,815 mri technologists.

What drives mri technologist pay in Illinois

Illinois MRI tech pay tracks above national median. Chicago academic medical centers (Northwestern, Rush, UChicago) drive demand; specialty cardiac MR roles command large premiums.

Illinois ranks #18 of 50 states

Where Illinois sits in the national distribution for mri technologist pay, and the closest comparable states above and below.

Rank	State	Median	vs. Illinois
#16	Nevada	$87,780	+$850
#15	New Hampshire	$88,620	+$1,690
#14	Rhode Island	$88,620	+$1,690
#18	Illinois (this page)	$86,930	—
#19	Delaware	$85,240	−$1,690
#20	Arizona	$83,560	−$3,370
#21	Maine	$83,560	−$3,370

See all 50 states →

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Education path for Illinois

The typical path is a associate degree + arrt(r) + arrt(mr) post-primary certification, taking about 24 months. Tuition ranges from $6,000 (community college) to $42,000 (private accelerated). On the Illinois median of $86,930, payback periods are typically 0.8 years or less from a starting income near minimum wage.

For full credentialing detail and the realistic career outlook, see the MRI Technologist salary overview. To run your own numbers, use the ROI calculator with Illinois selected.

MRI Technologist salary in Illinois — FAQ

What is the average mri technologist salary in Illinois?

The median mri technologist salary in Illinois is $86,930 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $59,910; the top 10% earn $108,280 or more. About 1,815 people work in this role across the state.

How does Illinois mri technologist pay compare to the national average?

Illinois's median of $86,930 is $2,530 above the U.S. national median of $84,400. After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 99.4), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $87,455.

Is mri technologist a good career in Illinois?

On the data: Illinois employs roughly 1,815 mri technologists, with a median wage of $86,930 and the top decile clearing $108,280. The role is projected to grow +6% nationally over the next decade. Whether it's "good" for you depends on whether the work suits you and whether you're positioned for the in-state metros that pay above the median.

What's the hourly rate for mri technologists in Illinois?

At the Illinois median of $86,930 annually, the equivalent hourly rate is approximately $41.79/hr. The top 10% earn around $52.06/hr, while entry-level roles typically pay $28.80/hr or slightly above.

Methodology note

Illinois-level wage data sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 release (SOC 29-2035: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists), with state pay indexes from BLS area-comparison tables. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parities, 2023 release, where Illinois's RPP is 99.4 (U.S. = 100). Last reviewed: May 2026.