Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Gurnee, IL: $71,300 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Gurnee, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,300 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gurnee's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,429 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,040) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Gurnee, Illinois, is projected at $71,300 in 2026. While this figure is well below the city median of $100,040, it offers a solid foundation for recent graduates eager to build their careers. With a salary growth trajectory that could see entry-level professionals moving toward $82,996 within a few years, there's potential to significantly enhance earning power. New graduates should view Gurnee as a favorable market considering the city’s competitive salary dynamics combined with ongoing demand for healthcare services in the region.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gurnee
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 Gurnee
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Gurnee, IL typically start between $71,300 and $82,996 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,658 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,040 — 1.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 39.27% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,300/year) in Gurnee. 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 Gurnee
- 1Research the Gurnee market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,300 to $82,996, 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 Gurnee, 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 Gurnee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gurnee'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 Gurnee is $54,658 ( 76.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,300, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,958.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,871
2025 BLS Actual
$67,950
2026 Current Est.
$71,300
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,871 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,548 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,171 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,300 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,815 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Gurnee, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,871 in 2019 to $67,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,815. New graduates entering the Gurnee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Employers in Gurnee seeking to hire new graduates often include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which tend to provide structured onboarding and training programs. As an entry-level ultrasound technologist, it's essential to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications to improve your marketability and starting pay in Illinois. With a clear career trajectory, those in their first three years can anticipate actionable strategies for professional growth. Typically, salary increments can be expected as experience accumulates and credentials deepen, aligning with the overall compensation trends observed in Gurnee's healthcare sector.
More salary data for Gurnee, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Gurnee in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Gurnee?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Gurnee?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Gurnee?
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 Gurnee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gurnee 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