Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Oak Park, IL: $114,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Oak Park, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $114,604/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Oak Park's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $118,027 in average-cost America. The 45% 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 Oak Park, IL, can anticipate a median annual salary of $79,041, with the potential to earn as much as $114,604 at the 90th percentile. This keen earning opportunity highlights a significant gap between the median and the top-tier salaries, which speaks to the experience premium that seasoned professionals command after accumulating seven or more years in the field. Obtaining advanced certifications and exploring specialized roles can be crucial pathways to reach such high compensation levels, as the demand for expertise in modalities like CT and MRI continues to rise. With a robust salary range spanning from $52,709 at the 10th percentile up to the $114,604 cap, Oak Park's compensation package remains competitive though it's slightly below the 2026 national median of $84,348.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Oak Park earn between $96,298 and $114,604 per year (2026 est.). This $61,895 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oak Park median of $79,041 sits 6.29% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Oak Park | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,041 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,298 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $114,604 | $124,937 |
In Oak Park, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 44.99% 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 Oak Park
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $79,041 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oak Park employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Oak Park command premium compensation, often reaching the $96,298–$114,604 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park
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
AdvancedOak Park ranks #20 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $114,604).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Oak Park ($114,604) is 3.5% above the Illinois average P90 ($110,729).
2019 BLS Actual
$82,336
2025 BLS Actual
$108,846
2026 Current Est.
$114,604
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,033 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,912 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,445 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,667 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Oak Park saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $82,336 in 2019 to $108,846 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 $120,667 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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 Oak Park
Compensation for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians in Oak Park reflects diverse factors, including specialization and employer type. Professionals trained in high-demand areas such as CT (ARRT-CT) and MRI (ARRT-MR) are likely to command higher salaries, as are those involved in specialized procedures like interventional radiology (ARRT-VI) and cardiovascular interventions (ARRT-CI). Job settings also influence compensation significantly; while hospital imaging departments typically offer stable employment and competitive pay, outpatient imaging centers may provide additional incentives through flexible hours or modality cross-training opportunities. Career advancement is very achievable, with roles like lead rad tech or imaging department manager within reach. Additional certifications like ARRT registrations across multiple modalities enhance earning potential, while non-salary factors such as shift differentials and lead stipends further add to overall compensation, particularly in high-demand environments such as trauma or level-1 centers.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Oak Park in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Oak Park?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Oak Park?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Oak Park?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Oak Park?
Related Pages
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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 $108,846 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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