Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Springfield, IL: $84,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Springfield, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,689 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,314 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,325) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Springfield, Illinois, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $84,689 in 2026. This initial figure is noticeably below the median annual salary of $103,325 for the area, indicating a gap that early-career professionals should expect as they begin their careers. However, there is a positive outlook for growth; over the first few years, new technologists can anticipate a gradual rise through the percentiles, moving from the entry-level pay towards the median as they gain experience and possibly additional certifications. Springfield's current market appears favorable for new grads, given the projected growth in the sector, which is estimated at 4.93% annually, which bodes well for opportunities as the healthcare landscape expands.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield
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 Springfield
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Springfield, IL typically start between $84,689 and $85,287 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,517 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,325 — 1.95% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 33.06% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($84,689/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield
- 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $84,689 to $85,287, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $29,517 ( 34.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,689, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,870
2025 BLS Actual
$80,710
2026 Current Est.
$84,689
2019–2027 Growth
+37.0%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,864 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, IL grew 24.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,870 in 2019 to $80,710 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,864. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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 Springfield
Employers in Springfield who commonly hire new ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs that can ease the transition from training to full-time employment. Holding state licensure is essential for entry into this profession, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further enhance earning potential and job prospects in Illinois. Within the first one to three years, early-career ultrasound technologists can expect variations in compensation depending largely on employer type and geographic location. As newly qualified professionals gain experience and credentials, realistic salary growth should align with the market trends, allowing for incrementally increasing pay, paving the way towards more sustainable long-term earnings in this rewarding healthcare field.
More salary data for Springfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Springfield in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Springfield?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Springfield?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Springfield?
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 Springfield. 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