Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $52.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Chicago, IL runs $52.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,900 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, the ultrasound technologist hourly rate is projected to be $52.00 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $48.73. This higher pay in the Windy City reflects the demand for skilled professionals in clinical settings, where part-time and per-diem positions may be commonly available. Part-time ultrasound technologists typically working three days a week could expect to earn a substantial income, while those seeking flexibility can benefit from per-diem opportunities. The hourly pay scale in Chicago ranges from $41.70 at entry-level positions to $62.55 for more experienced technologists, providing a competitive edge in the job market based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected through 2026.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.70 | $333.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.21 | $377.66 |
| Median (P50) | $52.00 | $416.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.92 | $455.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.55 | $500.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $52.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.00/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $108,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,404. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,080.13 | $9,014 | $108,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,248.08 | $5,408 | $64,900 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $832.05 | $3,606 | $43,267 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Chicago) | $52.00 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Ultrasound Technologists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $108,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.72% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 6.50% above the Illinois state average of $101,560.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.00/hr = $64,900/year (purchasing power: $62,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,167/year (purchasing power: $104,413).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Chicago grew 30.3% from $38.04/hr (2019) to $49.56/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.57/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ultrasound technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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.
Working as an Hourly Ultrasound Technologist in Chicago
For professionals considering part-time work, seeking a 24-hour weekly schedule as an ultrasound technologist can yield significant annual earnings compared to full-time positions. Those who opt for per-diem roles often find that such opportunities come with an attractive premium, generally 10-25% above standard W-2 pay rates in many markets, creating a compelling option for new graduates or those desiring added flexibility. Hourly rates can vary notably depending on the type of employer in Chicago—private practices might offer lower rates, whereas large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics typically provide more competitive compensation. However, some technologists may trade higher hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, reflecting a common dilemma in the field. Negotiating terms effectively can also be beneficial; candidates should clearly present their skill sets and experience while being ready to discuss flexible arrangements that suit both employer and employee needs.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ultrasound technologists in Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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