Ultrasound Tech Pay

Chicago vs Orland Park: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Orland Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chicago, IL
$108,162
$52.00/hr
Orland Park, IL
$102,931
$49.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILOrland Park, IL
Median Salary$108,162$102,931
Hourly Rate$52.00$49.48
Entry Level (P10)$86,735$72,516
25th Percentile$98,204$85,122
75th Percentile$118,403$112,868
Top Earner (P90)$130,103$135,302
Total Employed2,2809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($108,162) and Orland Park ($102,931) ultrasound technologist salaries.ChicagoOrland ParkMedian Salary$108,162$102,931Entry Level (P10)$86,735$72,516Top Earner (P90)$130,103$135,302US Median $101,352

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orland Park.

The salary gap between Chicago and Orland Park is $5,231 (5.08%). Chicago's median is +6.72% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $43,368,Orland Park spans $62,786. Orland Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$86,735
P25$98,204
Median$108,162
P75$118,403
P90 (Top)$130,103
Orland Park
P10 (Entry)$72,516
P25$85,122
Median$102,931
P75$112,868
P90 (Top)$135,302

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orland Park ($106,005 effective) pays 1.53% more than Chicago ($104,409 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $108,162
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $104,409
Orland Park
Nominal: $102,931
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $106,005

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,162/year)
  • Larger job market (2,280 employed)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Orland Park if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($135,302)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,005)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Chicago grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Orland Park over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+30.3%

$79,120 (2019) → $103,080 (2025)

Orland Park, IL

+18.6%

$82,702 (2024) → $98,095 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Chicago or Orland Park?

Chicago has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $108,162/year, compared to Orland Park at $102,931/year — a difference of $5,231 (5.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Orland Park?

Chicago ultrasound technologists earn $52.00/hr while Orland Park hygienists earn $49.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Orland Park as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Orland Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $104,409, Orland Park = $106,005), job availability (2,280 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Chicago vs Orland Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $86,735 in Chicago and $72,516 in Orland Park. The Chicago area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov