Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Tinley Park, IL: $73,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Tinley Park, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,911 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tinley Park's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,118 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,230) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tinley Park, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary varies significantly from the overall median for the area. New graduates can realistically expect starting salaries in the vicinity of $73,911, which is notably lower than the city median of $100,230. However, this entry-level pay should not deter aspiring ultrasound technologists, as there is potential for substantial growth within the first few years; many can anticipate earning around $85,669 within this short timeframe. The starting salary reflects the entry-level nature of these positions, and Tinley Park is currently a favorable market for new graduates seeking opportunities in this field.
About the Tinley Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tinley 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 Tinley Park
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Tinley Park, IL typically start between $73,911 and $85,669 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,476 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,230 — 1.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 37.88% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($73,911/year) in Tinley 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 Tinley Park
- 1Research the Tinley Park market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $73,911 to $85,669, 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 Tinley 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 Tinley Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tinley 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 Tinley Park is $62,476 ( 84.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,911, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,387.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,807
2025 BLS Actual
$70,438
2026 Current Est.
$73,911
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Tinley Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,866 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,942 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,801 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,554 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tinley Park, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,807 in 2019 to $70,438 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,554. New graduates entering the Tinley Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tinley 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 Tinley Park
Opportunities within Tinley Park are often available at larger hospital systems and corporate practices that are more inclined to hire fresh graduates and provide structured onboarding programs. Those who earn state licensure in Illinois and pursue additional advanced certifications from recognized organizations tend to see better compensation right from the beginning. In the first two to three years, ultrasound technologists may expect gradual salary increases as they gain experience and improve their credentials. It's important for new grad ultrasound technologists in IL to actively seek out positions that align with their career goals, as pay varies considerably depending on the employer type and geographic market. By strategically choosing where to start their careers, graduates can enhance their earning potential and set the foundation for a successful profession.
More salary data for Tinley Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Tinley Park in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Tinley Park?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Tinley Park?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Tinley 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 Tinley Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tinley 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