Ultrasound Tech Pay

Chicago vs Woodridge: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Chicago, IL
$108,162
$52.00/hr
Woodridge, IL
$99,741
$47.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILWoodridge, IL
Median Salary$108,162$99,741
Hourly Rate$52.00$47.95
Entry Level (P10)$86,735$70,480
25th Percentile$98,204$82,379
75th Percentile$118,403$106,463
Top Earner (P90)$130,103$124,745
Total Employed2,2809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($108,162) and Woodridge ($99,741) ultrasound technologist salaries.ChicagoWoodridgeMedian Salary$108,162$99,741Entry Level (P10)$86,735$70,480Top Earner (P90)$130,103$124,745US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chicago and Woodridge is $8,421 (8.44%). 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,Woodridge spans $54,265. Woodridge 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
Woodridge
P10 (Entry)$70,480
P25$82,379
Median$99,741
P75$106,463
P90 (Top)$124,745

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($104,409 effective) pays 1.64% more than Woodridge ($102,720 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $108,162
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $104,409
Woodridge
Nominal: $99,741
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $102,720

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 Woodridge 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 Woodridge over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+30.3%

$79,120 (2019) → $103,080 (2025)

Woodridge, IL

+18.6%

$80,139 (2024) → $95,055 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Chicago or Woodridge?

Chicago has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $108,162/year, compared to Woodridge at $99,741/year — a difference of $8,421 (8.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Woodridge?

Chicago ultrasound technologists earn $52.00/hr while Woodridge hygienists earn $47.95/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Woodridge. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $104,409, Woodridge = $102,720), job availability (2,280 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $86,735 in Chicago and $70,480 in Woodridge. 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