Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in East Chicago, IN: $76,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in East Chicago, IN earns a median $76,525/year (≈ $36.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in East Chicago's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $83,817 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in East Chicago, IN, stands at $76,525, which reflects a competitive compensation level, though it is about 9.27% lower than the national median of $84,348. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, spanning from $55,678 at the 10th percentile to $111,238 at the 90th percentile. As a locality with a five-year growth rate forecast of 5.29%, the demand for qualified professionals is steady. Those who pursue modality cross-training in areas like CT and MRI can expect enhanced earning potential, as additional certifications often lead to higher salaries within the local market. East Chicago offers a range of opportunities for specialized technologists, positioned within a growing healthcare sector.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,678 | $26.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,684 | $30.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,525 | $36.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,023 | $45.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,238 | $53.48 |
Median Salary Position
9.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Chicago
In East Chicago, IN, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,560 (2026 est.). At $76,525, the local median is 9.27% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Chicago Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
East Chicago median: $76,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $79,300 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -9.27% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in East Chicago, IN earn a median of $76,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.27% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $79,300.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Chicago has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Chicago, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A radiologic technologist and technician earning $76,525 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,817 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,898
2025 BLS Actual
$72,680
2026 Current Est.
$76,525
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,898 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,573 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Chicago metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $54,898 (2019) to $72,680 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,573 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,675 (46.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Chicago 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) | $55,678 – $62,684 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,684 – $76,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,525 – $94,023 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,023 – $111,238 |
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 East Chicago
Focusing on the local job market, there are currently five radiologic technologists and technicians employed in the East Chicago area, a figure which indicates a niche but specialized workforce. The cost of living index in East Chicago is 91.3, suggesting that professionals in this field can enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to national averages. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers tend to offer higher compensation packages, influenced by factors like modality cross-training, shift differentials, and on-call responsibilities. Understanding the earning potential driven by these factors can be beneficial for radiologic technologists looking to maximize their wages in the area. For those seeking better remuneration, pursuing certifications in additional modalities or aiming for leadership roles can be effective strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $72,680 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the East Chicago 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 East Chicago 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