Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Joliet, IL: $55,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Joliet, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,560 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Joliet's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,219 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,108) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in Joliet, Illinois, are projected to be around $55,560 in 2026, representing a strong initial compensation for new graduates entering the workforce. While this figure is below the city’s median salary of $79,108, it offers a reasonable growth trajectory as early-career professionals advance in their roles. Over the first few years of employment, starting pay can realistically increase to approximately $63,816 at the 25th percentile, illustrating the potential for upward mobility. Given the growing demand for imaging professionals and a 5.29% growth rate anticipated in the sector, Joliet appears to be a favorable market for recent graduates seeking their first positions in radiologic technology.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Joliet
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Joliet, IL typically start between $55,560 and $63,816 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,487 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,108 — 6.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Illinois of $26,000 represents just 46.80% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($55,560/year) in Joliet. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Joliet
- 1Research the Joliet market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $55,560 to $63,816, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Joliet, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Joliet for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Joliet's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Joliet is $63,487 ( 114.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,560, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,047.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,101
2025 BLS Actual
$52,769
2026 Current Est.
$55,560
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,101 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,761 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,163 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,769 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,500 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Joliet, IL grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,101 in 2019 to $52,769 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,500. New graduates entering the Joliet job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Joliet
Employers in Joliet frequently hire new graduates from JRCERT-accredited programs, especially within local hospital systems, which often provide paid CT cross-training for new hires in their first couple of years. Outpatient imaging centers also look for entry-level talent but typically prefer candidates who are cross-trained in multiple modalities, including CT and MRI. Radiologic technologists holding ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and any additional modality certifications will find themselves in a better position for higher starting pay in Illinois. New professionals should focus on cross-training opportunities, especially in high-demand areas like mammography, which can lead to increased earning potential. In their first three years, those in Joliet can expect realistic salary growth as they transition from entry-level roles to more advanced imaging positions, ultimately allowing them to leverage their skills in a consolidating market.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Joliet. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Joliet 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