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MRI Technologist in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Illinois employs 2,760 mri technologists, with a statewide median of $95,380 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.

What Mri technologists Earn in Illinois (May 2025)

Illinois median pay: $95,380 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $77,410
Experienced (75th percentile): $103,250
Top earners (90th percentile): $109,550
Employed in Illinois: 2,760
U.S. median (for comparison): $83,200 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for mri technologists in major Illinois markets:

Rockford: $94,860 (100 employed)
Springfield: $85,060 (100 employed)
Peoria: $79,090 (120 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Illinois

Prices in Illinois run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $95,380 median holds roughly its face value.

Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)

Illinois is projected to grow mri technologists employment +13.2%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Illinois License and Certification Requirements

ARRT R.T.(MR) or ARMRIT (national certification — no IL state license) — regulated by the No Illinois state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds).

Illinois does not require a separate state license for MRI technologists. Take the ARRT MRI post-primary path: complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (College of DuPage, Malcolm X College, and other Illinois schools), earn your primary ARRT R.T., complete 12 months of MRI clinical experience, then pass the ARRT MRI exam.
The ARMRIT direct-entry MRI program is an alternative — complete an ARMRIT-approved program and pass the ARMRIT exam.
Chicago's major academic medical centers (Northwestern, Rush, U Chicago, Loyola, UI Health) and large community health systems (Advocate Aurora, NorthShore) have significant MRI capacity and ongoing hiring.

Official requirements: No Illinois state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds) →

Training in Illinois

College of DuPage and Malcolm X College (Chicago City Colleges) offer strong radiography programs. Chicago travel MRI positions pay well; the broader Illinois market (Peoria, Rockford, Springfield) offers lower cost of living with solid hospital MRI employment.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Illinois include:

Aurora University — Bachelor's
Benedictine University — Bachelor's
Black Hawk College — Certificate / Associate
Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences — Certificate / Associate / Bachelor's

Where Mri technologists Work in Illinois

Real Illinois hospitals that employ mri technologists include:

VA Hosp — Downey
Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital — Hines
VA Illiana Health Care System — Danville
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center — Chicago
US Naval Hosp — Great Lakes
John H Stroger Jr Hospital — Chicago

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People interested in healthcare technology who want strong wages and can handle calm, precise, controlled environments.

Think twice if: Claustrophobic patients, on-call rotations, and strict MRI safety protocols sound stressful rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: MRI scanning requires licensed, patient-present technical work with real-time safety decisions around magnetic fields and contraindications.

First Steps

Look for ARRT-eligible MRI programs — either a primary MRI track or post-primary certification for existing RT graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do mri technologists make in Illinois?

The median wage for mri technologists in Illinois is $95,380 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $77,410, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $109,550. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a MRI Technologist in Illinois?

ARRT R.T.(MR) or ARMRIT (national certification — no IL state license), overseen by the No Illinois state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds). Illinois does not require a separate state license for MRI technologists. Take the ARRT MRI post-primary path: complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (College of DuPage, Malcolm X College, and other Illinois schools), earn your primary ARRT R.T., complete 12 months of MRI clinical experience, then pass the ARRT MRI exam.

Is being a MRI Technologist a good career in Illinois?

MRI scanning requires licensed, patient-present technical work with real-time safety decisions around magnetic fields and contraindications.

Which Illinois metros pay mri technologists the most?

Among Illinois metro areas, Rockford leads at $94,860, followed by Springfield ($85,060), Peoria ($79,090). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a MRI Technologist in Illinois?

Real Illinois options include Aurora University, Benedictine University, Black Hawk College. Most mri technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is MRI Technologist a growing career in Illinois?

Illinois projects mri technologists employment to change +13.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Illinois statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2035. Licensing summary compiled from the No Illinois state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Illinois wages · Illinois licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.