Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Oak Park, IL: $67,541 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Oak Park, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,541 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oak Park's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,558 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,777) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the workforce as ultrasound technologists in Oak Park, Illinois, the expected starting salary in 2026 is approximately $67,541. This figure marks a considerable gap from the city's overall median salary for the profession, which stands at $100,777. New graduates can expect a pay trajectory that gradually advances as they gain experience; those starting at the entry-level can look forward to an estimated increase up to $86,795 after a few years. Given the reasonable cost of living index in Oak Park, these numbers suggest that the local job market remains an appealing option for recent graduates embarking on their healthcare careers.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oak Park
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 Oak Park
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Oak Park, IL typically start between $67,541 and $86,795 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,285 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,777 — 0.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 41.46% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($67,541/year) in Oak Park. 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 Oak Park
- 1Research the Oak Park market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $67,541 to $86,795, 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 Oak Park, 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 Oak Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oak Park'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 Oak Park is $64,285 ( 95.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,541, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,826.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,084
2025 BLS Actual
$64,368
2026 Current Est.
$67,541
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,084 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,052 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,604 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,439 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,541 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,871 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Oak Park, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,084 in 2019 to $64,368 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,871. New graduates entering the Oak Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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 Oak Park
In Oak Park, larger hospital systems and corporate practices are the primary employers that actively recruit new grads in the ultrasound technology field. These organizations often offer structured onboarding processes, making them ideal for those entering the profession. To enhance starting ultrasound technologist pay in IL, pursuing state licensure and optional advanced certifications can be beneficial. For new professionals navigating their first years, it's crucial to remain adaptable, as compensation can significantly differ by employer type and geography. Realistically, early-career technologists should anticipate progressive salary increases within their first three years, particularly if they continue their education and expand their credentials. These steps will be instrumental in maximizing earning potential in Oak Park’s evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Oak Park in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Oak Park?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Oak Park?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Oak Park?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Oak Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oak Park 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