Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cicero, IL: $129,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Cicero, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $129,855/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Cicero's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $133,733 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior ultrasound technologists in Cicero can expect to see significant earning potential in 2026, with a median annual salary projected at $98,261. Top earners, only achieved through extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications, can reach a remarkable $129,855, underscoring a substantial gap between median and peak salaries. This sector rewards expertise highly, encouraging professionals with over seven years of experience to aim for higher compensation brackets. In comparison to national figures, where the median salary is $101,352, the Cicero market remains competitive, though slightly lower by approximately 3.05%. Meeting or exceeding these top-tier salaries often requires not only clinical proficiency but also strategic career positioning, such as pursuing leadership roles or specializing in high-demand areas.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Cicero earn between $108,162 and $129,855 per year (2026 est.). This $60,076 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cicero median of $98,261 sits 3.05% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Cicero | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $98,261 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,162 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $129,855 | $135,748 |
In Cicero, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 32.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Cicero
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $98,261 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cicero employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Cicero command premium compensation, often reaching the $108,162–$129,855 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cicero metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Cicero with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Cicero
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCicero ranks #37 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $129,855).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Cicero ($129,855) is 0.99% above the Illinois average P90 ($128,580).
2019 BLS Actual
$97,630
2025 BLS Actual
$123,754
2026 Current Est.
$129,855
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,767 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,237 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,257 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Cicero saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $97,630 in 2019 to $123,754 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $136,257 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Cicero
In Cicero, specialization plays a vital role in determining the senior ultrasound technologist pay in IL, with areas like cardiac or vascular sonography often commanding higher wages. Compensation can vary significantly based on the type of employer; for example, professionals in large healthcare organizations tend to earn more compared to those in community health centers or smaller private practices. Advancement opportunities are robust, including paths to positions such as lead practitioner, clinical coordinator, or educator, which can further enhance financial rewards. Gaining advanced certifications, alongside state licensure, can elevate one’s profile and salary potential. Non-salary compensation factors, such as shift differentials, can also contribute to the attractiveness of certain positions. As healthcare evolves, those in Cicero must remain adaptable, continuously enhancing their skill set to secure their place among the top ultrasound technologist salary brackets in the area.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Cicero in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Cicero?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Cicero?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Cicero?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Cicero?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $123,754 for ultrasound technologists in the Cicero metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero 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