Ultrasound Tech Pay

Algonquin vs Chicago: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Algonquin, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Algonquin, IL
$98,512
$47.37/hr
Chicago, IL
$108,162
$52.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlgonquin, ILChicago, IL
Median Salary$98,512$108,162
Hourly Rate$47.37$52.00
Entry Level (P10)$67,273$86,735
25th Percentile$85,868$98,204
75th Percentile$109,445$118,403
Top Earner (P90)$130,624$130,103
Total Employed52,280
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Algonquin ($98,512) and Chicago ($108,162) ultrasound technologist salaries.AlgonquinChicagoMedian Salary$98,512$108,162Entry Level (P10)$67,273$86,735Top Earner (P90)$130,624$130,103US Median $101,352

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Algonquin.

The salary gap between Algonquin and Chicago is $9,650 (9.80%). Chicago's median is +6.72% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Algonquin spans $63,351,Chicago spans $43,368. Algonquin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Algonquin
P10 (Entry)$67,273
P25$85,868
Median$98,512
P75$109,445
P90 (Top)$130,624
Chicago
P10 (Entry)$86,735
P25$98,204
Median$108,162
P75$118,403
P90 (Top)$130,103

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($104,409 effective) pays 2.91% more than Algonquin ($101,454 effective).

Algonquin
Nominal: $98,512
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $101,454
Chicago
Nominal: $108,162
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $104,409

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Algonquin if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($130,624)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,162/year)
  • Larger job market (2,280 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,409)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Algonquin grew 18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Chicago over the same period.

Algonquin, IL

+18.6%

$79,152 (2024) → $93,884 (2025)

Chicago, IL

+30.3%

$79,120 (2019) → $103,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Algonquin or Chicago?

Chicago has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $108,162/year, compared to Algonquin at $98,512/year — a difference of $9,650 (9.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Algonquin and Chicago?

Algonquin ultrasound technologists earn $47.37/hr while Chicago hygienists earn $52.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Algonquin to Chicago as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Algonquin and Chicago. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Algonquin = $101,454, Chicago = $104,409), job availability (5 vs 2,280 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Algonquin vs Chicago?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $67,273 in Algonquin and $86,735 in Chicago. The Chicago area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

RP

Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT

Career Analyst

Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov