Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Joliet, IL: $71,171 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Joliet, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,171 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Joliet's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,297 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,861) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field as ultrasound technologists in Joliet, IL, can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary of approximately $71,171 in 2026. While this entry-level figure is below the city median of $100,861, it reflects a promising growth trajectory. Over the first 3-5 years, individuals can anticipate moving from the initial pay to around $83,729 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median earnings as they gain experience and skill. Joliet's current healthcare market, supported by its relatively low cost of living index of 97.1, poses a favorable environment for new ultrasound technologist hires, especially as the field is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Joliet
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 Joliet
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Joliet, IL typically start between $71,171 and $83,729 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,020 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,861 — 0.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 39.34% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,171/year) in Joliet. 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 Joliet
- 1Research the Joliet market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,171 to $83,729, 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 Joliet, 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 Joliet for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Joliet'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 Joliet is $66,020 ( 92.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,171, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,191.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,775
2025 BLS Actual
$67,827
2026 Current Est.
$71,171
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,775 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,646 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,989 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,171 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,680 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Joliet, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,775 in 2019 to $67,827 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,680. New graduates entering the Joliet job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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 Joliet
In Joliet, large hospital systems and corporate medical practices are key employers that often recruit newly minted graduates for ultrasound technologist positions. These institutions tend to have structured onboarding processes that help ease fresh graduates into their roles. To maximize starting pay in Illinois, it is vital for new professionals to secure their state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body for ultrasound technology. In the first 1-3 years, focusing on gaining practical experience and expanding credentials will have a direct impact on salary growth. Compensation can vary widely, and many professionals in this region see realistic salary increases that reflect both their employer type and skill development, allowing for movement toward the upper half of the pay range over time.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Joliet in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Joliet?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Joliet 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