The following salary analysis peels back the layers of earnings for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, across various spectrums—from those just stepping into the field to seasoned experts at the top of their game.
Whether you’re considering a move to the Windy City or aiming to negotiate your next raise, understanding the intricacies of the local salary landscape is crucial.
The following salary statistics are the latest provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Chicago, Illinois, and nationwide. See how your earning potential stacks up against regional and national benchmarks.
| Area | Total Employed | Average Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 81,080 | $84,410 | $61,430 | $107,730 |
| Illinois | 2,800 | $86,540 | $66,280 | $103,030 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 2,000 | $89,450 | $72,650 | $105,020 |
Employment Numbers
Nationwide, there are 81,080 individuals employed in this profession.
Within Illinois, there are 2,800 individuals employed, which is approximately 3.45% of the national employment figure for this profession. This suggests Illinois has a significant concentration of these professionals relative to the national employment distribution.
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area specifically employs 2,000 individuals, which is a substantial portion (about 71.4%) of the state’s total employment for this profession. This indicates that the Chicago metropolitan area is a major hub for this profession within Illinois.
Average Salary
The average salary for ultrasound technicians profession in the U.S. is $84,410.
In Illinois, the average salary is higher than the national average, at $86,540. This suggests that Illinois, as a state, may offer better compensation for this profession compared to the national average.
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area offers an even higher average salary of $89,450, which is significantly higher than both the national average and the state average of Illinois. This could indicate a higher cost of living in the area, higher demand for these professionals, or a combination of both.
Salary Percentiles
Looking at the 10th percentile (often entry-level wages), salaries are $61,430 nationally, $66,280 in Illinois, and $72,650 in the Chicago area. Each region sees an increase from the national baseline, with Chicago offering over $11,000 more than the national 10th percentile, suggesting a higher starting wage for new professionals in this field within the Chicago area.
At the 90th percentile (often representing the top earners with more experience or specialized skills), the national figure is $107,730, with Illinois slightly below that at $103,030. However, the Chicago area exceeds both, with a 90th percentile salary of $105,020. This indicates that top professionals in the Chicago area can expect earnings above the state average but still close to the national top earners.
Overall, the data suggests that the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, while only comprising a portion of the state’s employment, offers higher wages for this profession across the board compared to both the national and state averages. Individuals in this profession working in the Chicago area are likely to have higher earning potential, which can be attributed to factors such as higher local demand, cost of living adjustments, and possibly a more competitive market.