Radiologist Salary in Illinois: $425,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Illinois's 64 metropolitan areas, the average median radiologist pay sits at $425,916/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1224. Because Illinois sits at BEA RPP 97.1 (3% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $438,636 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Naperville ($484,920), Chicago ($479,910), Elgin ($475,629).
In 2026, the average median salary for radiologists in Illinois is projected to be $425,916, which is approximately 3.6% lower than the national median of $441,903. The salary range across the state shows notable variation, with Naperville leading at $509,166, while Carbondale reflects the lowest average at $401,906. This $107,260 difference between the highest and lowest paying cities can be attributed to several factors such as local healthcare demand, the cost of living, and variations in the concentration of healthcare facilities. Illinois has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that can influence radiologist salaries and job responsibilities. A solid demand for healthcare services continues to drive the job market, and the state is projected to experience an annual compound growth rate of 5.00% for radiologist positions. The major metropolitan areas, including Chicago and Elgin, are particularly crucial, with projected salaries of $503,906 and $499,410, respectively. Overall, radiology presents a favorable career outlook in Illinois, driven by an expanding healthcare landscape and consistent employment opportunities.
Illinois Radiologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Illinois: $233,105 (lowest entry-level) to $756,905 (highest top earner)
Illinois vs National Average
Illinois radiologists earn 3.62% less than the national median ($-15,987/year difference).
Illinois Radiologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Radiologist salaries in Illinois range from $247,031 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $600,909 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $425,916. The Illinois median is $15,987 below the US national median of $441,903. The average hourly rate is $204.77/hr. Approximately 735 radiologists are employed across 64 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$153,200
2025 BLS Actual
$405,634
2026 Current Est.
$425,916
2021–2027 Growth
+191.9%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Illinois (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $153,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $388,528 | Actual |
| 2025 | $405,634 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $425,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $447,212 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Illinois metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 164.8% from $153,200 (2021) to $405,634 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $447,212 by 2027 — a total increase of $294,012 (191.91%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Illinois 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 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Illinois
Lowest Paying Cities in Illinois
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Carbondale | $401,906 |
| Elmhurst | $405,910 |
| Calumet City | $406,909 |
| Galesburg | $407,042 |
| Crystal Lake | $408,606 |
Best Value Cities for Radiologists in Illinois
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Illinois cities offer the most purchasing power for radiologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville | $509,166 | 97.1 | $524,373 |
| Elgin | $499,410 | 97.1 | $514,325 |
| Chicago | $503,906 | 103.595 | $486,419 |
| Decatur | $435,077 | 97.1 | $448,071 |
| Orland Park | $435,077 | 97.1 | $448,071 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $247,031 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $425,916 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $600,909 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Illinois metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 64 Cities in Illinois
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naperville | $509,166 |
| 2 | Chicago | $503,906 |
| 3 | Elgin | $499,410 |
| 4 | Decatur | $435,077 |
| 5 | Orland Park | $435,077 |
| 6 | Bolingbrook | $433,208 |
| 7 | Champaign | $432,188 |
| 8 | Peoria | $430,171 |
| 9 | Palatine | $429,946 |
| 10 | Waukegan | $429,707 |
| 11 | Mount Prospect | $428,891 |
| 12 | Hoffman Estates | $427,499 |
| 13 | Evanston | $426,683 |
| 14 | Joliet | $426,323 |
| 15 | Oak Park | $425,969 |
| 16 | Rockford | $425,595 |
| 17 | Danville | $425,088 |
| 18 | Springfield | $424,867 |
| 19 | Addison | $424,190 |
| 20 | Berwyn | $423,998 |
| 21 | Aurora | $423,723 |
| 22 | Tinley Park | $423,658 |
| 23 | Moline | $423,590 |
| 24 | Northbrook | $423,225 |
| 25 | St. Charles | $422,958 |
| 26 | Gurnee | $422,858 |
| 27 | Arlington Heights | $422,265 |
| 28 | Wheaton | $421,721 |
| 29 | Woodridge | $421,593 |
| 30 | Schaumburg | $421,382 |
| 31 | Buffalo Grove | $421,260 |
| 32 | Bartlett | $421,226 |
| 33 | Lake in the Hills | $419,662 |
| 34 | Collinsville | $419,595 |
| 35 | Skokie | $419,478 |
| 36 | Wheeling | $418,862 |
| 37 | Carpentersville | $418,396 |
| 38 | Oak Lawn | $418,119 |
| 39 | O'Fallon | $418,030 |
| 40 | Rock Island | $417,031 |
| 41 | Quincy | $416,399 |
| 42 | Algonquin | $416,399 |
| 43 | Bloomington | $416,250 |
| 44 | Carol Stream | $416,032 |
| 45 | Normal | $416,012 |
| 46 | Lombard | $415,765 |
| 47 | Cicero | $415,333 |
| 48 | Plainfield | $414,900 |
| 49 | Des Plaines | $414,822 |
| 50 | Urbana | $414,700 |
| 51 | Oswego | $413,235 |
| 52 | DeKalb | $412,902 |
| 53 | Park Ridge | $412,569 |
| 54 | Hanover Park | $412,402 |
| 55 | Glenview | $412,370 |
| 56 | Romeoville | $410,704 |
| 57 | Streamwood | $410,138 |
| 58 | Downers Grove | $409,373 |
| 59 | Belleville | $409,272 |
| 60 | Crystal Lake | $408,606 |
| 61 | Galesburg | $407,042 |
| 62 | Calumet City | $406,909 |
| 63 | Elmhurst | $405,910 |
| 64 | Carbondale | $401,906 |
More Illinois Salary Data
Explore More Radiologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologists make in Illinois in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for radiologists in Illinois?
How does Illinois radiologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level radiologist salary in Illinois?
How many radiologists are employed in Illinois?
Which Illinois city offers the best value for radiologists?
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.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide 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. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 radiologist compensation across Illinois. State averages are employment-weighted across 64 metro areas — larger metro areas with more radiologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov