Radiology Technologist in Illinois

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$77,890

trending_up +0.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.

engineering

7,500

Jobs (IL)

monitoring Strong

+4.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$325

Licensing fees

schedule

2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a radiology technologist in Illinois

To become a certified Radiology Technologist in Illinois, individuals must complete an accredited radiologic technology program and pass the ARRT Radiography Examination. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Division of Nuclear Safety, is the licensing body responsible for accreditation. Accreditation must be renewed every two years, requiring 24 continuing education hours per cycle. A background check is required, and any criminal convictions must be reported.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $57,850

25th percentile $64,880

50th (median) $77,890

75th percentile $89,920

90th (experienced) $101,940

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Illinois requirements

Licensing body	Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Division of Nuclear Safety
State license	Required
Education	Completion of an accredited radiologic technology program
Exam	ARRT Radiography Examination ($225)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A background check is required. Convictions of criminal offenses (misdemeanor or felony) must be reported with annual renewals. CPR certification may be required by employers. Illinois does not recognize assistants, associates, or helpers; anyone performing or supervising radiography operations must be certified. Technologists must wait one full year after passing the radiography registry to take another registry (e.g., mammography, CT, MRI).

Source: Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Division of Nuclear Safety

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.3%

Faster than average

Annual openings

12,900

Nationwide per year

Total employment

228,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.56/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleIllinois license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a radiology technologist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a radiology technologist in Illinois? expand_more

Illinois requires radiology technologists to complete the required education (Completion of an accredited radiologic technology program), pass the ARRT Radiography Examination, and submit your application ($100 fee).

Is a radiology technologist license required in Illinois? expand_more

You cannot practice as a radiology technologist in Illinois without a state license from Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Division of Nuclear Safety. The required exam is the ARRT Radiography Examination.

What is the average radiology technologist salary in Illinois? expand_more

radiology technologists in Illinois earn a median of $77,890 annually. That's roughly in line with the $77,660 national median. The range spans from $57,850 at the entry level to $101,940 for top earners.

How expensive is radiology technologist licensing in Illinois? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($225) and application fee ($100). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a radiology technologist in Illinois? expand_more

Most candidates in Illinois complete the process in 2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What are the continuing education requirements for radiology technologists in Illinois? expand_more

Illinois requires 24.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your radiology technologist license.

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