Ultrasound Tech Pay

Chicago vs Cicero: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Chicago, IL
$108,162
$52.00/hr
Cicero, IL
$98,261
$47.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILCicero, IL
Median Salary$108,162$98,261
Hourly Rate$52.00$47.24
Entry Level (P10)$86,735$69,779
25th Percentile$98,204$81,675
75th Percentile$118,403$108,162
Top Earner (P90)$130,103$129,855
Total Employed2,28021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($108,162) and Cicero ($98,261) ultrasound technologist salaries.ChicagoCiceroMedian Salary$108,162$98,261Entry Level (P10)$86,735$69,779Top Earner (P90)$130,103$129,855US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chicago and Cicero is $9,901 (10.08%). 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 Chicago spans $43,368,Cicero spans $60,076. Cicero has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$86,735
P25$98,204
Median$108,162
P75$118,403
P90 (Top)$130,103
Cicero
P10 (Entry)$69,779
P25$81,675
Median$98,261
P75$108,162
P90 (Top)$129,855

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($104,409 effective) pays 3.17% more than Cicero ($101,196 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $108,162
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $104,409
Cicero
Nominal: $98,261
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $101,196

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,162/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($130,103)
  • Larger job market (2,280 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,409)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Cicero if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Chicago grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Cicero over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+30.3%

$79,120 (2019) → $103,080 (2025)

Cicero, IL

+18.6%

$78,949 (2024) → $93,644 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Chicago or Cicero?

Chicago has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $108,162/year, compared to Cicero at $98,261/year — a difference of $9,901 (10.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Cicero?

Chicago ultrasound technologists earn $52.00/hr while Cicero hygienists earn $47.24/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Cicero. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $104,409, Cicero = $101,196), job availability (2,280 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $86,735 in Chicago and $69,779 in Cicero. 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