Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Bloomington, IL: $75,571 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Bloomington, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,571 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.5 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,793 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,487) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Bloomington, Illinois, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $75,571 in 2026. While this initial pay may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $98,487 for the region, it does provide a pathway to higher earnings as experience accumulates. Over the first three to five years, a new ultrasound technologist can realistically move from the entry-level range to hitting the P25 mark of $84,647, and eventually toward the city median as they gain skills and build their professional networks. Given the city's supportive healthcare environment, with multiple facilities that value fresh talent, Bloomington is currently a promising market for recent graduates looking to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Bloomington, IL typically start between $75,571 and $84,647 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,144 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,487 — 2.83% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 37.05% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($75,571/year) in Bloomington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $75,571 to $84,647, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Bloomington is $34,144 ( 45.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,571, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,715.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,260
2025 BLS Actual
$72,020
2026 Current Est.
$75,571
2019–2027 Growth
+48.9%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,571 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,296 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, IL grew 35.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,260 in 2019 to $72,020 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,296. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in Bloomington
Several employers in Bloomington are well-known for hiring entry-level ultrasound technologists, particularly large hospital systems and corporate healthcare practices that offer structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. For those early in their careers, obtaining Illinois state licensure and considering additional certifications recognized by national bodies can significantly enhance their earning potential. In the first one to three years, salary growth can fluctuate based on the employer type, with opportunities for advancement often tied to continuing education and skill specialization. New grads should expect realistic salary increases as they transition to more responsible roles or specialize, as compensation can vary significantly depending on both the geographic area and the mix of credentials held by professionals in this market.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Bloomington in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Bloomington?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Bloomington?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Bloomington?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Illinois?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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