Radiology Tech Schools and Careers Illinois

Radiographers working in Illinois (IL) are responsible for the operation of x ray equipment to produce diagnostic images which are used to help radiologists and physicians to diagnose and treat patients.

Radiographers in Illinois are also referred to as radiology technologists/technicians, rad techs and x ray technicians/techs.

The below overview of the top schools in Illinois offering programs in radiology is intended to help you find the right school near you for your needs. Please note that throughout this page we may switch between the terms radiology tech schools in Illinois and x ray tech schools in Illinois.

Accredited Radiology Tech Schools in Illinois 2022

The above table lists all schools in Illinois offering programs in radiography which have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) as well as any American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) recognised programs in Illinois.

There are currently 35 accredited or approved radiology tech schools in Illinois.

Illinois Requirements to Become a Radiology Tech

1. Graduate from a radiology program at an approved or accredited school in Illinois. Most schools will offer the option of an associates degree and employers will usually prefer an associate’s degree or higher.

2. Once you have graduated from an approved program you will need to sit and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams which are required for licensing. If you wish to specialise in nuclear medicine technology you will need to sit and pass the specialist exams set by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Exams are administered at Pearson VUE testing centres throughout Illinois.

3. Once you have successfully passed the ARRT or NMTCB exams you will need to apply for a license. Licensing is mandatory if you wish to work as a radiology tech in Illinois. You may also apply for a limited license which will allow you to perform a limited scope of x rays such as chest, dental, orthopaedic, etc.

4. Once you have found employment as a radiology tech you must keep up to date with your states continuing professional development requirements.

If you have any queries relating to licensing, certification or continuing professional development for radiology techs you can contact the Illinois Emergency Management Agency on the details below.

State Board: Illinois Emergency Management Agency
Website: https://public.iema.state.il.us
Phone: 217-782-2700

Radiology Tech Salaries in Illinois

At $65,730 per annum, or $31.60 per hour, the average annual salary for radiologic techs in Illinois is approximately 1% below the national average of $66,490.

Over the past five years, salary levels for radiology techs in the state have risen by 4.2%, or $2,630 per annum.

Salary levels within the state will vary depending on your metro area, years of experience, and place of employment. For example;

• The bottom 10% of earners (entry-level) made just $47,020 whilst the top 10% made $79,670 per annum.
• Those located in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin had some of the highest salary levels in the state at $69,190, whilst those in Carbondale-Marion earned some of the lowest average salaries at $54,330 per annum.

The table below shows salary levels across the major metro areas in Illinois;

Radiology Tech Employment in Illinois

There are currently 8,780 people working as radiology techs in Illinois (2021). The employment of radiology techs in Illinois saw a significant rise of 25.6%, or 1,790 jobs, in the five years since 2016.

Going forward, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 6% nationwide between 2021 and 2031. This is around the same as for all other professions.

Similar careers in Illinois

The table below compares radiology tech income and employment in Illinois with other closely related careers.