Ultrasound Tech Pay

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Wheeling, IL: $47.64 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Wheeling, IL runs $47.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,452 per year.

$99,095
Median Annual Salary
$47.64/hr
Hourly Rate
$74,144
Entry Level (P10)
$132,288
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Rate in Wheeling, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Wheeling, IL ultrasound technologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, ultrasound technologists in Wheeling, Illinois, will earn a median hourly rate of $47.64, slightly below the national median of $48.73. This pay structure offers a viable income for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, allowing them to earn substantially while maintaining a flexible schedule. For those considering per-diem work, typically in clinical settings, the rates are reflective of the demand for ultrasound services in the area. Entry-level positions start at approximately $35.64 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $63.60 per hour, illustrating the significant income potential within this occupation based on experience and skills. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the financial landscape for ultrasound technologists in the region.

About the Wheeling Market

Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$35.64$285.16
Lower Range (P25)$40.81$326.46
Median (P50)$47.64$381.11
Upper Range (P75)$53.29$426.35
Top Earners (P90)$63.60$508.78

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling

Based on $47.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a ultrasound technologist in Wheeling earning $47.64/hr would make approximately $57,166 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $99,087 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$57,166Reduced (32 hr/wk)$76,221Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$99,087

At $47.64/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,166. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$381.11
per 8hr shift
$1,905.53
per week
$8,257
per month
$99,087
per year

Schedule Comparison in Wheeling

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,905.53$8,257$99,087
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,143.32$4,954$59,452
Per Diem (16 hrs)$762.21$3,303$39,635

Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Ultrasound Technologist (Wheeling)$47.64
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing ultrasound technologist median salary in Wheeling ($99,095) with Illinois average ($101,532) and the US national median ($101,352).Wheeling$99,095Illinois Avg$101,532-2.40%US National$101,352-2.23%

Ultrasound Technologists in Wheeling, IL earn a median of $99,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.23% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $101,532.

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $47.64/hr = $59,452/year (purchasing power: $61,228).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,087/year (purchasing power: $102,047).

CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$34.93/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$45.40/hr

2026 Current Est.

$47.64/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wheeling (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Wheeling. Baseline $34.93/hr in 2025, projected to $49.99/hr by 2027.$32$37$42$48$532019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$34.93$35.68$36.54$38.24$39.70$38.28$45.40$47.64$49.99
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$34.93/hrActual
2020$35.68/hrActual
2021$36.54/hrActual
2022$38.24/hrActual
2023$39.70/hrActual
2024$38.28/hrActual
2025$45.40/hrActual
2026(current)$47.64/hrEstimated
2027$49.99/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Wheeling grew 30.0% from $34.93/hr (2019) to $45.40/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.99/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ultrasound technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Wheeling

For ultrasound technologists working part-time, a typical 24-hour workweek can result in an annual income of around $59,596, providing a good standard of living in Wheeling without the commitment of full-time hours. Meanwhile, per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Wheeling may be 10-25% higher than the regular hourly rates, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking flexibility. Hourly wages can vary significantly across employer types; large healthcare organizations might offer more competitive rates compared to private practices or community health centers, which may provide additional benefits. This trade-off between hourly pay and health insurance options is a key consideration for many professionals in the field. When negotiating hourly pay, being aware of the typical compensation in Wheeling and emphasizing any specialized credentials or unique skills can enhance a technologist's bargaining position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Wheeling in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Wheeling is $47.64/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $35.64 at entry level (10th percentile) to $63.60 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 2.2% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Wheeling?

A part-time ultrasound technologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Wheeling earns approximately $4,954/month, or $59,452/year at the median hourly rate of $47.64. Many ultrasound technologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are ultrasound technologists in Wheeling paid hourly or salary?

The majority of ultrasound technologists in Wheeling are paid hourly at a median rate of $47.64/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $99,087/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Wheeling?

A full-time ultrasound technologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Wheeling earns approximately $99,087/year at the median hourly rate of $47.64. This is 2.2% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $132,284/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wheeling?

Part-time and per diem ultrasound technologists in Wheeling sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $63.60/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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