Radiologist Pay

Aurora vs Galesburg: Radiologist Salary (2026)

Compare radiologist salaries between Aurora, IL and Galesburg, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aurora, IL
$423,723
$203.71/hr
Galesburg, IL
$407,042
$195.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, ILGalesburg, IL
Median Salary$423,723$407,042
Hourly Rate$203.71$195.69
Entry Level (P10)$245,760$236,084
25th Percentile$305,081$293,070
75th Percentile$511,831$488,369
Top Earner (P90)$602,713$565,196
Total Employed444
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($423,723) and Galesburg ($407,042) radiologist salaries.AuroraGalesburgMedian Salary$423,723$407,042Entry Level (P10)$245,760$236,084Top Earner (P90)$602,713$565,196US Median $441,903

Verdict

Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Galesburg.

The salary gap between Aurora and Galesburg is $16,681 (4.10%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $441,903.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $356,953,Galesburg spans $329,112. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Aurora
P10 (Entry)$245,760
P25$305,081
Median$423,723
P75$511,831
P90 (Top)$602,713
Galesburg
P10 (Entry)$236,084
P25$293,070
Median$407,042
P75$488,369
P90 (Top)$565,196

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($436,378 effective) pays 4.10% more than Galesburg ($419,199 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $423,723
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $436,378
Galesburg
Nominal: $407,042
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $419,199

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aurora if…

  • Higher median salary ($423,723/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($602,713)
  • Larger job market (44 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $436,378)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Galesburg if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Aurora grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Galesburg over the same period.

Aurora, IL

+7.9%

$373,955 (2024) → $403,546 (2025)

Galesburg, IL

+7.9%

$359,233 (2024) → $387,659 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologists more: Aurora or Galesburg?

Aurora has a higher median radiologist salary at $423,723/year, compared to Galesburg at $407,042/year — a difference of $16,681 (4.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Galesburg?

Aurora radiologists earn $203.71/hr while Galesburg hygienists earn $195.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aurora to Galesburg as a radiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Galesburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $436,378, Galesburg = $419,199), job availability (44 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologists earn in Aurora vs Galesburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologists earn $245,760 in Aurora and $236,084 in Galesburg. The Aurora area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD

Career Analyst

Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Lisa Gonzalez, MD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov