Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Belleville, IL: $71,782 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Belleville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,782 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Belleville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,926 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,826) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Belleville, Illinois, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $71,782 in 2026. While this figure sits below the city median of $96,826, it provides a foundation for a growing career path. Entry-level practitioners can expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience, with typical first-job earnings leading to advancement through the 25th percentile at approximately $82,378 within a few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93% for this profession, Belleville represents a reasonable market for fresh graduates, allowing them to build their skills and gradually narrow the salary gap with more seasoned colleagues.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Belleville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Belleville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Belleville, IL typically start between $71,782 and $82,378 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,150 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,826 — 4.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 39.01% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,782/year) in Belleville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Belleville
- 1Research the Belleville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,782 to $82,378, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Belleville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Belleville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Belleville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Belleville is $53,150 ( 74.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,782, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,932.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,228
2025 BLS Actual
$68,409
2026 Current Est.
$71,782
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,964 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,409 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,782 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,320 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Belleville, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,228 in 2019 to $68,409 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,320. New graduates entering the Belleville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belleville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in Belleville
Large hospital systems and established corporate group practices in Belleville are primary employers of new ultrasound technologists, often providing structured onboarding programs tailored for recent graduates. For those looking to enhance their initial pay in this competitive market, obtaining state licensure along with advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can be beneficial. In the initial 1 to 3 years of employment, ultrasound technologists can realistically anticipate their salaries to rise steadily, depending on employer type and geographic market influences. Early-career compensation may vary significantly; therefore, new grads should strategically align their skills and credentials with the requirements of potential employers in the area, ensuring they are well-positioned to leverage future advancement opportunities within the field.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Belleville in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Belleville?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Belleville?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Belleville?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Illinois?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Belleville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Belleville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov