Radiography Tech Salary

DeKalb vs Peoria: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

DeKalb, IL
$76,617
$36.83/hr
Peoria, IL
$80,536
$38.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDeKalb, ILPeoria, IL
Median Salary$76,617$80,536
Hourly Rate$36.83$38.73
Entry Level (P10)$57,637$60,773
25th Percentile$64,156$64,669
75th Percentile$90,963$85,622
Top Earner (P90)$113,596$99,636
Total Employed9310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing DeKalb ($76,617) and Peoria ($80,536) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.DeKalbPeoriaMedian Salary$76,617$80,536Entry Level (P10)$57,637$60,773Top Earner (P90)$113,596$99,636US Median $84,348

Verdict

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

The salary gap between DeKalb and Peoria is $3,919 (5.12%). Peoria's median is -4.52% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeKalb spans $55,959,Peoria spans $38,863. DeKalb has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

DeKalb
P10 (Entry)$57,637
P25$64,156
Median$76,617
P75$90,963
P90 (Top)$113,596
Peoria
P10 (Entry)$60,773
P25$64,669
Median$80,536
P75$85,622
P90 (Top)$99,636

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($88,277 effective) pays 11.88% more than DeKalb ($78,905 effective).

DeKalb
Nominal: $76,617
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $78,905
Peoria
Nominal: $80,536
CoL Index: 91.231
Adjusted: $88,277

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose DeKalb if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($113,596)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Peoria if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,536/year)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,277)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in DeKalb grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Peoria over the same period.

DeKalb, IL

+8.2%

$67,275 (2024) → $72,768 (2025)

Peoria, IL

+41.4%

$54,080 (2019) → $76,490 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: DeKalb or Peoria?

Peoria has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $80,536/year, compared to DeKalb at $76,617/year — a difference of $3,919 (5.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between DeKalb and Peoria?

DeKalb radiologic technologist and technicians earn $36.83/hr while Peoria hygienists earn $38.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from DeKalb to Peoria as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing DeKalb and Peoria. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: DeKalb = $78,905, Peoria = $88,277), job availability (9 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in DeKalb vs Peoria?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $57,637 in DeKalb and $60,773 in Peoria. The Peoria 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