Radiologic Technologist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Radiologic Technologist Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Radiologic Technologists in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$54,000 vs $71,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$50,467 vs $43,827
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$44,323 vs $40,496
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $54,000 | $71,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | $54,670▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,120 | $90,880▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,400 | $113,600▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $50,467▲ | $43,827 | +$6,640 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $47,426 | $65,604▲ | -$18,178 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,323▲ | $40,496 | +$3,827 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 145,000 | -57,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $17,000 more (median: $54,000 vs $71,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($50,467 vs $43,827 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.