Radiography Tech Salary

Bolingbrook vs Chicago: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Bolingbrook, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bolingbrook, IL
$80,385
$38.64/hr
Chicago, IL
$86,485
$41.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBolingbrook, ILChicago, IL
Median Salary$80,385$86,485
Hourly Rate$38.64$41.58
Entry Level (P10)$53,121$63,311
25th Percentile$67,212$71,534
75th Percentile$97,820$104,616
Top Earner (P90)$116,359$111,765
Total Employed195,650
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bolingbrook ($80,385) and Chicago ($86,485) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.BolingbrookChicagoMedian Salary$80,385$86,485Entry Level (P10)$53,121$63,311Top Earner (P90)$116,359$111,765US Median $84,348

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bolingbrook.

The salary gap between Bolingbrook and Chicago is $6,100 (7.59%). Chicago's median is +2.53% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bolingbrook spans $63,238,Chicago spans $48,454. Bolingbrook has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bolingbrook
P10 (Entry)$53,121
P25$67,212
Median$80,385
P75$97,820
P90 (Top)$116,359
Chicago
P10 (Entry)$63,311
P25$71,534
Median$86,485
P75$104,616
P90 (Top)$111,765

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($83,484 effective) pays 0.84% more than Bolingbrook ($82,786 effective).

Bolingbrook
Nominal: $80,385
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $82,786
Chicago
Nominal: $86,485
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $83,484

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bolingbrook if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($116,359)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,485/year)
  • Larger job market (5,650 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,484)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Bolingbrook grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.

Bolingbrook, IL

+8.2%

$70,583 (2024) → $76,346 (2025)

Chicago, IL

+23.8%

$66,330 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Bolingbrook or Chicago?

Chicago has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $86,485/year, compared to Bolingbrook at $80,385/year — a difference of $6,100 (7.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bolingbrook and Chicago?

Bolingbrook radiologic technologist and technicians earn $38.64/hr while Chicago hygienists earn $41.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bolingbrook to Chicago as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bolingbrook and Chicago. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bolingbrook = $82,786, Chicago = $83,484), job availability (19 vs 5,650 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Bolingbrook vs Chicago?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $53,121 in Bolingbrook and $63,311 in Chicago. The Chicago area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov