Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $47.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Des Plaines, IL runs $47.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Des Plaines, Illinois, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $47.19, which is slightly below the national median of $48.73. This rate translates well for part-time professionals who might work three days a week, as it allows for substantial earnings in a flexible schedule. Additionally, those engaged in per-diem work can expect similar benefits, making this an attractive option for many. The hourly range spans from $33.42 at the entry-level to $62.24 for experienced professionals, indicating a solid income potential in a profession with demand. It’s worth mentioning that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the virtue of hourly roles within clinical environments across the city.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.42 | $267.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.12 | $304.97 |
| Median (P50) | $47.19 | $377.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.87 | $414.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.24 | $497.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $47.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.19/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $98,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,624. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,887.48 | $8,179 | $98,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,132.49 | $4,907 | $58,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.99 | $3,272 | $39,260 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Des Plaines) | $47.19 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $98,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.17% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $101,489.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.19/hr = $58,889/year (purchasing power: $60,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,149/year (purchasing power: $101,080).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Des Plaines grew 30.0% from $34.60/hr (2019) to $44.97/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.51/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Focusing on part-time work, a 24-hour workweek for an ultrasound technologist may yield an income of approximately $73,126 per year, contrasting significantly with the income from a full-time position. For those opting for per-diem roles, agency rates generally provide a premium of 10-25% over standard staff wages, making such positions increasingly appealing. Hourly compensation can also vary depending on the employer type in Des Plaines; those working in private practices may earn less compared to their counterparts in larger healthcare organizations. While some professionals might accept lower compensation for the security of benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly wages without traditional benefits. Negotiation is essential in this context, as understanding the nuances of the local market can significantly impact earnings for ultrasound technologists in IL.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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