Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Chicago, IL: $86,735 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Chicago, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,735 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chicago's local price level (BEA RPP 103.6 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,725 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,162) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the field as ultrasound technologists in Chicago, the starting pay reflects the local healthcare market's dynamics. In 2026, entry-level positions are expected to begin around $86,735, marking a noticeable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $108,162. This difference indicates a clear upward trajectory as new graduates typically advance through their early careers; they can anticipate reaching approximately $98,204 within a few years, making the job market in Chicago relatively promising for newcomers. With an annual growth rate of 4.93% expected in this sector, the outlook is positive, suggesting that those acquiring the necessary experience and skills will find lucrative opportunities in the city.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chicago
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 Chicago
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Chicago, IL typically start between $86,735 and $98,204 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,368 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,162 — 6.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 32.28% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($86,735/year) in Chicago. 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 Chicago
- 1Research the Chicago market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $86,735 to $98,204, 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 Chicago, 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 Chicago for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chicago'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 Chicago is $43,368 ( 50.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,735, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,103.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,640
2025 BLS Actual
$82,660
2026 Current Est.
$86,735
2019–2027 Growth
+69.7%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,735 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,011 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Chicago, IL grew 54.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,640 in 2019 to $82,660 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,011. New graduates entering the Chicago job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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 Chicago
Numerous healthcare employers in Chicago are keen to onboard recent graduates as ultrasound technologists. Prominent facilities such as large hospital systems and established corporate group practices often have structured orientation programs tailored for new entrants. Holding a state licensure is essential, but pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can further elevate your starting position. In the first few years, early-career professionals can realistically expect gradual pay increases as they gain experience and refine their skills. Employers can vary widely in compensation frameworks; thus, those navigating their first 1-3 years in Illinois should maintain a proactive approach to their career development. By understanding their value in the marketplace and seeking out opportunities that recognize credentials, new grads can enhance their earning potential over time.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Chicago. 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