Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Waukegan, IL: $54,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Waukegan, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,294 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukegan's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,916 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,735) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level radiologic technologist and technician salary in Waukegan is projected to start at around $54,294, which sets the initial pay fairly below the city's median salary of $79,735. For new graduates, this means they can anticipate some sizable growth, as experience and skill development can elevate their salaries to approximately $62,841 within the first few years. Taking into consideration the growth trajectory and the annual growth rate of 5.29%, it indicates that Waukegan serves as a promising market for entry-level professionals. Moreover, while these figures may seem modest when stacked against the national median of $84,348, the local job market appears stable, with opportunities lying in various healthcare facilities looking to fill these roles with qualified candidates.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukegan
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 Waukegan
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Waukegan, IL typically start between $54,294 and $62,841 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,784 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,735 — 5.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Illinois of $26,000 represents just 47.89% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($54,294/year) in Waukegan. 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 Waukegan
- 1Research the Waukegan market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $54,294 to $62,841, 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukegan'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 Waukegan is $67,784 ( 124.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,294, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,078.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,209
2025 BLS Actual
$51,566
2026 Current Est.
$54,294
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,854 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,156 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,954 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,566 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,166 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Waukegan, IL grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,209 in 2019 to $51,566 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,166. New graduates entering the Waukegan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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 Waukegan
In Waukegan, some of the primary employers for newly minted graduates include hospital systems that often provide paid cross-training in advanced modalities like CT and MRI during the first couple of years. These initial positions not only serve to build proficiency but can significantly enhance the new grad radiologic technologist and technician pay in IL over time. Additionally, credentials such as a degree from a JRCERT-accredited program and ARRT national registration are critical for securing better starting salaries. It’s advisable for new graduates to pursue cross-training in modalities like mammography, as the field continues to reshape with outpatient imaging chains consolidating services. Realistically, within the first three years, entry-level salaries can grow, especially for those who engage in continuing education and acquire additional ARRT certifications, positioning themselves favorably in a competitive job landscape.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Waukegan in 2026?
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Is radiologic technology school worth it in Waukegan?
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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 Waukegan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukegan 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