Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $76,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Des Plaines, IL earns a median $76,973/year (≈ $37.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Des Plaines's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $79,272 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiologic technologists and technicians in Des Plaines, IL, can expect a median annual salary of $76,973 in 2026, which is about 8.74% lower than the national median of $84,348. This salary range encompasses approximately $54,256 at the lower 10th percentile and $112,456 at the 90th percentile, offering potential for significant earnings depending on experience, specialization, and additional credentials. Technologists who pursue cross-training in advanced modalities such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often see enhanced pay opportunities, as these qualifications are increasingly prized in local healthcare settings. Given that the compensation figures reflect estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, those entering the field should keep these dynamics in mind as they plan their careers.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,256 | $26.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,362 | $29.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,973 | $37.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,288 | $45.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,456 | $54.07 |
Median Salary Position
8.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, IL, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,200 (2026 est.). At $76,973, the local median is 8.74% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Plaines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Plaines Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Des Plaines median: $76,973/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Plaines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $79,600 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -8.74% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $76,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.74% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $79,600.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Plaines has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Plaines, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $76,973 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,272 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,220
2025 BLS Actual
$73,106
2026 Current Est.
$76,973
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,488 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,445 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,992 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,588 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $55,220 (2019) to $73,106 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,825 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,256 – $60,362 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,362 – $76,973 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,973 – $94,288 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,288 – $112,456 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Des Plaines
Looking at the local job market, there are currently 12 radiologic technologists and technicians working in Des Plaines, with a cost of living index of 97.1 indicating that expenses are slightly below the national average. This lower cost of living can afford technologists a decent purchasing power, though it remains essential to be strategic about employment choices. Among local positions, hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers typically offer the highest salaries, influenced by factors such as modality cross-training, shift differentials, and on-call duties. To maximize earnings, technologists should aim to become skilled in multiple imaging modalities, such as CT and mammography, and consider roles in higher-paying sectors like trauma centers or travel tech agencies. This approach not only enhances pay potential but also broadens employment opportunities within the evolving healthcare landscape in Des Plaines.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Des Plaines, IL in 2026?
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Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Des Plaines?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $73,106 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Des Plaines metropolitan area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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