Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $98,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Des Plaines, IL earns a median $98,140/year (≈ $47.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Des Plaines's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $101,071 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, the ultrasound technologist salary is projected to reach a median annual income of $98,140 in 2026. This positions the city slightly below the national median of $101,352. The salary range for ultrasound technologists in this area varies significantly, from $69,505 at the 10th percentile to $129,459 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the disparity that can exist depending on experience, specialty, and employer. The market for ultrasound technologists in Des Plaines is relatively modest, with only 12 professionals employed locally. Such a small labor pool indicates a specialized market, which may contribute to the competitive nature of salaries in this field.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,505 | $33.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,285 | $38.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,140 | $47.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,888 | $51.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,459 | $62.24 |
Median Salary Position
3.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, IL, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,954 (2026 est.). At $98,140, the local median is 3.17% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Plaines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Plaines Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Des Plaines median: $98,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Plaines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $101,489 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -3.17% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Plaines 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.
Des Plaines, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $98,140 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,071 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,965
2025 BLS Actual
$93,529
2026 Current Est.
$98,140
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,514 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,276 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,772 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,793 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,852 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,978 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $71,965 (2019) to $93,529 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,978 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,013 (43.09%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,505 – $79,285 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,285 – $98,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,140 – $107,888 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,888 – $129,459 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Des Plaines
With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power for ultrasound technologists in Des Plaines reflects a favorable environment compared to many other regions. Hospitals and large healthcare organizations tend to offer the most competitive salaries, driven by their ability to provide comprehensive benefits packages and resources for continuing education. Shifts in pay can commonly result from factors such as specialty credentials, varying employer sizes, and shift differentials, where those working nights or weekends may see higher earnings. To maximize ultrasound technologist pay in Des Plaines, pursuing additional certifications, seeking employment with larger healthcare providers, and possibly negotiating benefits can significantly enhance overall compensation. Researchers should consider these factors when determining how much do ultrasound technologists make in Des Plaines.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Des Plaines, IL in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Des Plaines?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Des Plaines?
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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 $93,529 for ultrasound technologistsin the Des Plaines 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 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