Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL: $75,515 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Buffalo Grove, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,515 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Buffalo Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,770 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,663) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected starting ultrasound technologist salary in Buffalo Grove, IL, is set at approximately $75,515. This figure represents the entry-level threshold for new graduates entering the field, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $99,663, highlighting a notable gap that early-career professionals should consider. New graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory that sees their earning potential rise to around $86,074 within a few years, as their skills and experience develop. Given these figures, Buffalo Grove presents a fairly positive market for new graduates; while the starting pay may seem modest, the upward trend is encouraging and aligns with the area’s projected growth rate of 4.93% annually.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Buffalo Grove
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 Buffalo Grove
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Buffalo Grove, IL typically start between $75,515 and $86,074 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,644 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,663 — 1.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 37.08% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($75,515/year) in Buffalo Grove. 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 Buffalo Grove
- 1Research the Buffalo Grove market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $75,515 to $86,074, 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 Buffalo Grove, 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 Buffalo Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Buffalo Grove's moderate 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 Buffalo Grove is $58,644 ( 77.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,515, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,159.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,997
2025 BLS Actual
$71,967
2026 Current Est.
$75,515
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,997 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,079 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,287 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,574 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,515 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,238 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Buffalo Grove, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,997 in 2019 to $71,967 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,238. New graduates entering the Buffalo Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove
Companies, particularly large hospital systems and established corporate practices in Buffalo Grove, are the primary employers seeking entry-level ultrasound technologists, often providing structured onboarding that facilitates a smooth transition into the workforce. To enhance earning potential, it's advisable for new graduates to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized by professional bodies, which can significantly influence entry-level salaries in Illinois. Those starting their careers in this field can expect varying compensation based on employer type, geographic market, and credential mix. Early professional years can see realistic salary growth as technologists advance from entry-level pay to a higher tier within their first three years, provided they engage in continuous education and training in the evolving landscape of medical imaging.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Buffalo Grove in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Buffalo Grove?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Buffalo Grove?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Buffalo Grove?
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 Buffalo Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buffalo Grove 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