Radiologic Technologist in Illinois: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Illinois employs 7,650 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $79,930 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Illinois licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Illinois (May 2025)
- Illinois median pay
- $79,930 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $59,350
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $97,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $104,210
- Employed in Illinois
- 7,650
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Illinois markets:
- Chicago metro
- $82,140 (5,650 employed)
- Springfield
- $77,800 (210 employed)
- Peoria
- $76,490 (310 employed)
- Rockford
- $75,500 (260 employed)
- Bloomington
- $74,590 (140 employed)
- Champaign–Urbana
- $66,760 (210 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 $79,930 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Illinois (2024–2034)
Illinois is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +9.4%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 500 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Illinois License and Certification Requirements
IEMA accreditation in medical radiation technology — regulated by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) — Division of Nuclear Safety.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (2-year associate degree).
- Pass the ARRT examination.
- Apply for IEMA accreditation ($120); renew every 2 years with 24 CE hours. Unusually, Illinois houses this under its nuclear-safety agency rather than a health board.
Official requirements: Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) — Division of Nuclear Safety →
Training in Illinois
Chicago's hospital systems (Northwestern, Rush, UChicago, Advocate) plus strong downstate systems (OSF, Carle, Memorial) hire continuously. City Colleges of Chicago and downstate community colleges run affordable JRCERT programs.
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 Radiologic technologists Work in Illinois
Real Illinois hospitals that employ radiologic 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 who want healthcare without becoming a nurse or physician.
Think twice if: You dislike hospitals, patient contact, standing, or precise technical routines.
Why it's resilient: Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
First Steps
Find accredited radiography programs and compare clinical placement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists make in Illinois?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Illinois is $79,930 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $59,350, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $104,210. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Illinois?
IEMA accreditation in medical radiation technology, overseen by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) — Division of Nuclear Safety. Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (2-year associate degree).
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Illinois?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Illinois metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Illinois metro areas, Chicago metro leads at $82,140, followed by Springfield ($77,800), Peoria ($76,490). 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 Radiologic Technologist in Illinois?
Real Illinois options include Aurora University, Benedictine University, Black Hawk College. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Illinois?
Illinois projects radiologic technologists employment to change +9.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 500 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 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) — Division of Nuclear Safety (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.