Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Champaign, IL: $80,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Champaign, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,492 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Champaign's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,827 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,371) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, fresh graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Champaign, Illinois, can expect a starting salary around $80,492. While this initial figure may seem modest in comparison to the city’s median annual salary of $105,371, it provides a solid launching point for new professionals. Over the first few years, many will see substantial salary growth as they gain experience, with advancement potential leading up toward the median salary. This growth trajectory reflects a competitive job market in Champaign, making it an appealing location for recent graduates specializing in ultrasound technology. With an annual growth rate of 4.93% projected for the next five years, new ultrasound technologists can anticipate positive trends in both employment opportunities and their earning potential.
Career Earnings Timeline in Champaign
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 Champaign
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Champaign, IL typically start between $80,492 and $80,492 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,781 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,371 — 3.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 34.79% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($80,492/year) in Champaign. 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 Champaign
- 1Research the Champaign market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $80,492 to $80,492, 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 Champaign, 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 Champaign for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Champaign's below-average 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 Champaign is $45,781 ( 56.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,492, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,273.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,360
2025 BLS Actual
$76,710
2026 Current Est.
$80,492
2019–2027 Growth
+71.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,460 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Champaign, IL grew 55.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,360 in 2019 to $76,710 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,460. New graduates entering the Champaign job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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 Champaign
For new ultrasound technologists in Champaign, securing employment can hinge largely on the choice of employers. Major hospital systems and corporate group practices are known to actively seek out new graduates, often providing structured onboarding processes. To enhance their marketability, aspiring ultrasound technologists should consider obtaining state licensure, along with pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body. These credentials may significantly influence starting pay in Illinois. In terms of career strategy, the first one to three years should focus on developing skills and exposure to different imaging techniques, as compensation tends to vary greatly depending on the type of employer and regional demand for qualified professionals. Realistically, by leveraging the right opportunities and continuing education, new graduates can expect salary growth beyond initial entry-level pay as they navigate the early stages of their careers in ultrasound technology.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Champaign in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Champaign?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Champaign?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Champaign?
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 Champaign. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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