Radiology Technologist in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
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.
Radiology Technologist Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Division of Nuclear Safety |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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
Radiology Technologist Salary in Illinois
The median radiology technologist salary in Illinois is $77,890 per year, which is 0.3% above the national median of $77,660.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $57,850 |
| 25th | $64,880 |
| 50th (median) | $77,890 |
| 75th | $89,920 |
| 90th (experienced) | $101,940 |
Illinois employs approximately 7,500 radiology technologists.
Radiology Technologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Radiology Technologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Radiology Technologist in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.