Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$54,000 vs $59,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$50,467 vs $47,581
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$44,323 vs $43,965
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $54,000 | $59,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | $45,430▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,120 | $75,520▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,400 | $94,400▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $50,467▲ | $47,581 | +$2,886 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $47,426 | $54,516▲ | -$7,090 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,323▲ | $43,965 | +$358 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 95,000 | -7,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $54,000 vs $59,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 124), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($50,467 vs $47,581 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.