Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $36.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in DeKalb, IL runs $36.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,964 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In DeKalb, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for radiologic technologists and technicians in 2026 is $36.83, which is lower than the national hourly median of $40.55. For those in this profession working part-time or per-diem roles, this translates into a versatile earning potential, especially for positions found in various healthcare settings such as hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities. Entry-level positions start at approximately $27.71 per hour, whereas experienced professionals can earn up to $54.61 hourly, reflecting a wide range of opportunities based on skills and modalities. This hourly rate, derived from annual salary data, highlights the significance of cross-training in CT, MRI, or mammography for those seeking to maximize their pay in the competitive healthcare landscape.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.71 | $221.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.84 | $246.72 |
| Median (P50) | $36.83 | $294.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.74 | $349.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.61 | $436.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $36.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.83/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $76,607 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,197. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,473.22 | $6,384 | $76,607 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $883.93 | $3,830 | $45,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.29 | $2,554 | $30,643 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (DeKalb) | $36.83 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $76,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.17% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $79,644.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.83/hr = $45,964/year (purchasing power: $47,337).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,607/year (purchasing power: $78,895).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in DeKalb grew 32.4% from $26.42/hr (2019) to $34.98/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in DeKalb
For radiologic technologists and technicians opting for part-time work with a 24-hour weekly schedule, the annual earnings reflect a stark difference when compared to full-time counterparts. While part-time technologists may take home a reliable income, their annual earnings fall significantly short of what full-timers can achieve. On top of that, per diem positions are increasingly popular, with rates often between $40 and $60 per hour. Those who are cross-trained in specialties like CT or MRI can command even higher rates, as evidenced by travel contracts that can reach up to $2,800 weekly. As hourly rates fluctuate among various employers in DeKalb—ranging from urgent care chains to dental practices—technologists must balance the financial aspect with the benefits offered. Some may prefer slightly lower pay for the security of health insurance and other benefits, while others might choose higher hourly wages without those perks. Negotiation strategies should focus on the unique demands of the employer and the specific skills offered, which could lead to better pay outcomes in the evolving healthcare market in DeKalb, IL.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in DeKalb?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in DeKalb paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in DeKalb?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in DeKalb?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in DeKalb. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeKalb 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