Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Orland Park, IL: $72,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Orland Park, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,516 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Orland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,682 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,931) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Orland Park, Illinois, can expect a starting salary of around $72,516 in 2026. This figure reflects what new ultrasound technologists earn at the 10th percentile. While this does create a gap between entry-level pay and the city’s median annual salary of $102,931, which essentially represents the midpoint, there lies a clear growth trajectory over the first few years in the profession. As new professionals gain experience and potentially additional certifications, they can anticipate salary increases, moving toward the 25th percentile at $85,122 within just a few years. Overall, Orland Park presents a compelling market for newly minted graduates looking to establish their careers, aided by a predicted annual growth rate of 4.93% over the next few years.
About the Orland Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Orland 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 Orland Park
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Orland Park, IL typically start between $72,516 and $85,122 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,786 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,931 — 1.56% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 38.61% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($72,516/year) in Orland 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 Orland Park
- 1Research the Orland Park market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $72,516 to $85,122, 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 Orland 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 Orland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Orland 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 Orland Park is $62,786 ( 86.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,516, experienced hygienists can earn up to $135,302.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,773
2025 BLS Actual
$69,109
2026 Current Est.
$72,516
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Orland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,773 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,774 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,109 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,091 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Orland Park, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,773 in 2019 to $69,109 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,091. New graduates entering the Orland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orland 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 Orland Park
Employers in Orland Park that commonly hire new ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often have structured onboarding programs, offering valuable training that supports new grads in their transition from academic to professional settings. To enhance starting pay in Illinois, obtaining state licensure is essential, while pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can further elevate potential earnings. In the initial 1-3 years, new ultrasound technologists should focus on building practical experience, knowing that compensation can vary significantly based on the employer type and geographical market. Realistically, professionals can see pay growth that gradually ascends as they shift from entry-level roles, aiming for salaries close to the median as they advance in skill and responsibilities within the healthcare environment of Orland Park.
More salary data for Orland Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Orland Park in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Orland Park?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Orland Park?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Orland Park?
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 Orland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Orland 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