Ultrasound Tech Pay

Chicago vs Oswego: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Chicago, IL
$108,162
$52.00/hr
Oswego, IL
$97,764
$47.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILOswego, IL
Median Salary$108,162$97,764
Hourly Rate$52.00$47.00
Entry Level (P10)$86,735$73,599
25th Percentile$98,204$84,310
75th Percentile$118,403$107,736
Top Earner (P90)$130,103$128,191
Total Employed2,2807
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($108,162) and Oswego ($97,764) ultrasound technologist salaries.ChicagoOswegoMedian Salary$108,162$97,764Entry Level (P10)$86,735$73,599Top Earner (P90)$130,103$128,191US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chicago and Oswego is $10,398 (10.64%). 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,Oswego spans $54,592. Oswego 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
Oswego
P10 (Entry)$73,599
P25$84,310
Median$97,764
P75$107,736
P90 (Top)$128,191

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($104,409 effective) pays 3.70% more than Oswego ($100,684 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $108,162
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $104,409
Oswego
Nominal: $97,764
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $100,684

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 Oswego 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 Oswego over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+30.3%

$79,120 (2019) → $103,080 (2025)

Oswego, IL

+18.6%

$78,551 (2024) → $93,171 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Chicago or Oswego?

Chicago has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $108,162/year, compared to Oswego at $97,764/year — a difference of $10,398 (10.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Oswego?

Chicago ultrasound technologists earn $52.00/hr while Oswego hygienists earn $47.00/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Oswego. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $104,409, Oswego = $100,684), job availability (2,280 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $86,735 in Chicago and $73,599 in Oswego. 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