Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Chicago, IL vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Chicago, IL and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$54,000 vs $65,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$50,467 vs $40,123
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$44,323 vs $35,220
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $54,000 | $65,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | $50,050▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,120 | $83,200▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,400 | $104,000▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95%▲ | 5% | -0.04999999999999982% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $50,467▲ | $40,123 | +$10,344 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $47,426 | $57,057▲ | -$9,631 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,323▲ | $35,220 | +$9,103 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 105,000 | -17,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $11,000 more (median: $54,000 vs $65,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($50,467 vs $40,123 equivalent). Chicago, IL has the lower state tax rate (4.95% vs 5%).
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.