Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Cicero, IL: $112,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Cicero, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $112,779/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Cicero's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $116,147 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, senior radiologic technologists and technicians in Cicero, Illinois, can expect a notable median annual salary of $77,068, with the potential to earn significantly more at the highest tiers of pay. The top earners, categorized at the 90th percentile, are projected to take home as much as $112,779 annually, while those in the 75th percentile can expect around $94,516. This substantial gap between the median and top-tier salaries reflects the experience premium that seasoned professionals command. Achieving this level of compensation involves not only years of dedicated work but also pursuing advanced certifications and specializations that enhance skill sets and marketability.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Cicero earn between $94,516 and $112,779 per year (2026 est.). This $58,308 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cicero median of $77,068 sits 8.63% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Cicero | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $77,068 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,516 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $112,779 | $124,937 |
In Cicero, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 46.34% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay in Cicero
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $77,068 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cicero employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Cicero command premium compensation, often reaching the $94,516–$112,779 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cicero metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologic technologists and technicians in Cicero with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in Cicero
Clinical Radiologic Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologic Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsRadiologic Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCicero ranks #34 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $112,779).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Cicero ($112,779) is 1.85% above the Illinois average P90 ($110,729).
2019 BLS Actual
$81,025
2025 BLS Actual
$107,113
2026 Current Est.
$112,779
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,025 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,643 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,021 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,745 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Cicero saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $81,025 in 2019 to $107,113 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.29% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $118,745 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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.
Maximizing Your Radiologic Technologist and Technician Earnings in Cicero
Specializations in imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography are crucial in determining pay scales for experienced technologists in Cicero. Employers vary in their compensation strategies, where hospital imaging departments might offer different pay structures compared to outpatient imaging centers or mobile X-ray companies. Additionally, leadership roles such as modality supervisors or imaging department managers can pave the way to higher salaries, often tied to specific advanced credentials like ARRT registrations in multiple modalities. Compensation is further influenced by factors such as modality cross-training, shift differentials, and certification in high-demand areas, making continual education and skill enhancement essential strategies for maximizing earning potential in the senior radiologic technologist and technician pay landscape in IL.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Cicero in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Cicero?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Cicero?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Cicero?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Cicero?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $107,113 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Cicero metro area. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero 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