Radiography Tech Salary

Galesburg vs Rockford: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Galesburg, IL
$75,530
$36.31/hr
Rockford, IL
$79,494
$38.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGalesburg, ILRockford, IL
Median Salary$75,530$79,494
Hourly Rate$36.31$38.22
Entry Level (P10)$55,065$51,950
25th Percentile$61,951$66,343
75th Percentile$92,878$90,107
Top Earner (P90)$109,921$103,626
Total Employed4260
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Galesburg ($75,530) and Rockford ($79,494) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.GalesburgRockfordMedian Salary$75,530$79,494Entry Level (P10)$55,065$51,950Top Earner (P90)$109,921$103,626US Median $84,348

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Galesburg and Rockford is $3,964 (5.25%). Rockford's median is -5.75% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Galesburg spans $54,856,Rockford spans $51,676. Galesburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Galesburg
P10 (Entry)$55,065
P25$61,951
Median$75,530
P75$92,878
P90 (Top)$109,921
Rockford
P10 (Entry)$51,950
P25$66,343
Median$79,494
P75$90,107
P90 (Top)$103,626

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($86,262 effective) pays 10.90% more than Galesburg ($77,786 effective).

Galesburg
Nominal: $75,530
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $77,786
Rockford
Nominal: $79,494
CoL Index: 92.154
Adjusted: $86,262

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Galesburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($109,921)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Rockford if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,494/year)
  • Larger job market (260 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,262)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Galesburg grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.2% growth in Rockford over the same period.

Galesburg, IL

+8.2%

$66,320 (2024) → $71,735 (2025)

Rockford, IL

+35.2%

$55,830 (2019) → $75,500 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Galesburg or Rockford?

Rockford has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $79,494/year, compared to Galesburg at $75,530/year — a difference of $3,964 (5.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Galesburg and Rockford?

Galesburg radiologic technologist and technicians earn $36.31/hr while Rockford hygienists earn $38.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Galesburg to Rockford as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Galesburg and Rockford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Galesburg = $77,786, Rockford = $86,262), job availability (4 vs 260 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Galesburg vs Rockford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $55,065 in Galesburg and $51,950 in Rockford. The Galesburg 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