Ultrasound Technologist Salary in DeKalb, IL: $97,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in DeKalb, IL earns a median $97,686/year (≈ $46.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in DeKalb's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $100,604 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for ultrasound technologists in 2026 is $97,686. This figure positions local pay slightly below the national median of $101,352, revealing a difference of approximately 3.62%. The salary range spans from $73,824 at the 10th percentile to $131,392 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation spectrum. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these estimates account for adjustments pertaining to regional cost of living, where DeKalb's index stands at 97.1, suggesting a cost-effective environment for living and working. With only 9 ultrasound technologists employed in the area, the market is relatively small, reinforcing the competitive nature of available positions.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,824 | $35.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,148 | $40.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,686 | $46.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,890 | $49.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,392 | $63.17 |
Median Salary Position
3.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeKalb
In DeKalb, IL, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,568 (2026 est.). At $97,686, the local median is 3.62% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeKalb: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeKalb Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
DeKalb median: $97,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeKalb Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $101,544 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -3.62% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $97,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.62% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $101,544.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeKalb has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
DeKalb, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $97,686 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,604 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,632
2025 BLS Actual
$93,096
2026 Current Est.
$97,686
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,632 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,174 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,407 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,414 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,502 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeKalb metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $71,632 (2019) to $93,096 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,502 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,870 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $73,824 – $84,148 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,148 – $97,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,686 – $103,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,890 – $131,392 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in DeKalb
The ultrasound technologist pay in DeKalb, IL, is shaped by several local market dynamics. Currently, the average employment count indicates limited workforce saturation, allowing those in the field to potentially negotiate better salaries as demand persists. Given the cost of living index of 97.1, ultrasound technologists may find their take-home pay stretches further than in higher-cost areas. In terms of employers, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer higher salaries, benefiting from a wider patient base and more substantial resources. Earning potential can vary significantly based on factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the size of the organization. To maximize earnings, ultrasound technologists in DeKalb should consider obtaining advanced certifications and focusing their job search on larger healthcare facilities that may offer enhanced benefits and competitive pay structures.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in DeKalb?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $93,096 for ultrasound technologistsin the DeKalb metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeKalb 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