Senior Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Joliet, IL: $119,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologic technologists and technicians working in Joliet, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $119,047/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2034. Strip back Joliet's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $122,602 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A strong surge in senior radiologic technologist and technician pay is evident in Joliet, with top earners projected to reach $119,047 in 2026. This figure reflects a significant experience premium, as the median annual salary is $79,108. When comparing to top-tier salaries in the national landscape, Joliet's P90 positioning highlights a competitive advantage for experienced professionals within the local market. Achieving such high earnings typically requires not only numerous years of service but also the pursuit of advanced certifications and specializations, particularly in technologically advanced modalities. Those aiming for the highest brackets often focus on crossover skill sets and advanced training, making them invaluable assets in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
Experienced radiologic technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in Joliet earn between $98,558 and $119,047 per year (2026 est.). This $63,487 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Joliet median of $79,108 sits 6.21% below the US median.
Top RT Salary Comparison
| Level | Joliet | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,108 | $84,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,558 | $103,974 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $119,047 | $124,937 |
In Joliet, experienced radiologic technologists and technicians (P90) earn 50.49% 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 Joliet
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL radiologic technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $79,108 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Joliet employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Joliet command premium compensation, often reaching the $98,558–$119,047 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Joliet 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 Joliet 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 Joliet
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
AdvancedJoliet ranks #6 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner radiologic technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $119,047).
Top 10% radiologic technologist and technician compensation in Joliet ($119,047) is 7.51% above the Illinois average P90 ($110,729).
2019 BLS Actual
$85,528
2025 BLS Actual
$113,066
2026 Current Est.
$119,047
2019–2027 Growth
+46.6%
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 | $85,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,323 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,066 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,345 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologic technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in Joliet saw their compensation grow 32.2% from $85,528 in 2019 to $113,066 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 $125,345 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Radiologic Technologist and Technician Earnings in Joliet
Specialties such as CT, MRI, and mammography command premium salaries for experienced radiologic technologists and technicians in IL. Senior-level compensation can differ markedly based on the type of employer, with hospital imaging departments generally offering higher salaries than outpatient centers or mobile X-ray companies. Advancement opportunities abound, allowing seasoned professionals to transition into roles such as imaging department manager or modality supervisor, further boosting earning potential. Credentials play a key role in determining pay scales; having an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from JRCERT-accredited programs coupled with ARRT national registration in specialized modalities enhances marketability. Additionally, factors such as modality cross-training, shift differentials, and on-call stipends contribute to total compensation, making the pursuit of these credentials and the embrace of diverse skill sets essential for maximizing earnings in Joliet’s healthcare job market.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make in Joliet in 2026?
What drives higher radiologic technologist and technician pay in Joliet?
What certifications boost radiologic technologist and technician salary in Joliet?
Can experienced radiologic technologists and technicians make six figures in Joliet?
How much does radiologic technologist and technician salary increase over time in Joliet?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 $113,066 for radiologic technologists and technicians in the Joliet 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 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