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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.99/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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 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.
More salary data for Wheeling, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Wheeling in 2026?
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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 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).
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