Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Tinley Park, IL: $57,706 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Tinley Park, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,706 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tinley Park's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,429 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,613) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Tinley Park is projected to start around $57,706. This amount can be considered a baseline for new graduates entering the field, creating a notable gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $78,613. Over the first few years in the profession, it is realistic to expect a pay progression that moves from this starting figure toward approximately $65,330 at the P25 level. With a projected growth rate of 5.29% annually, Tinley Park currently offers a viable job market where early-career professionals can incrementally advance their pay while gaining essential hands-on experience, especially given the competitive nature of the healthcare field in Illinois.
About the Tinley Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tinley Park
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tinley Park
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Tinley Park, IL typically start between $57,706 and $65,330 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,416 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,613 — 6.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Illinois of $26,000 represents just 45.06% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($57,706/year) in Tinley Park. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Tinley Park
- 1Research the Tinley Park market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $57,706 to $65,330, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Tinley Park, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Tinley Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tinley Park's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Tinley Park is $60,416 ( 104.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,706, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,122.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,611
2025 BLS Actual
$54,807
2026 Current Est.
$57,706
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Tinley Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,611 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,296 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,868 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,759 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,972 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,706 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,759 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Tinley Park, IL grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,611 in 2019 to $54,807 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,759. New graduates entering the Tinley Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tinley Park 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 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Tinley Park
In Tinley Park, new graduates seeking a foothold as radiologic technologists often find opportunities primarily within hospital systems, where many facilities provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT during the first one to two years. Outpatient imaging centers are also keen to recruit entry-level employees, but they tend to favor individuals with additional training in modality-specific techniques. To boost their starting pay, new grads should ideally hold an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program along with ARRT registration in radiography. While initial roles may focus primarily on radiography, success and increased salary potential hinge on cross-training into CT, MRI, or mammography. Given these dynamics, those entering the field can anticipate gradual salary increases as they evolve their skills, with most moving beyond entry-level pay within their first three years.
More salary data for Tinley Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Tinley Park in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Tinley Park?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Tinley Park?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Tinley Park?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Illinois?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Tinley Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tinley Park 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 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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