Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Urbana, IL: $138,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Urbana, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $138,377/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Urbana's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $142,510 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for senior ultrasound technologists in Urbana, Illinois reflect the value placed on experience and expertise in the healthcare sector. The 2026 projected median annual salary for this role is $104,987, positioning it above the national median of $101,352, which suggests a competitive market. For top earners, the salary range expands significantly, reaching up to $138,377 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear contrast to the median and illustrating a substantial experience premium. Achieving top-tier pay in Urbana is often tied to specialization and advanced credentials, as well as several years of experience; those who continuously enhance their skills and potentially take on leadership roles can expect to move towards this upper income bracket.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbana
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Urbana earn between $116,131 and $138,377 per year (2026 est.). This $58,288 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Urbana median of $104,987 sits 3.59% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Urbana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,987 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,131 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $138,377 | $135,748 |
In Urbana, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 31.80% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Urbana
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $104,987 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Urbana employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Urbana command premium compensation, often reaching the $116,131–$138,377 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Urbana metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Urbana with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Urbana
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedUrbana ranks #5 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $138,377).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Urbana ($138,377) is 7.62% above the Illinois average P90 ($128,580).
2019 BLS Actual
$104,037
2025 BLS Actual
$131,876
2026 Current Est.
$138,377
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,381 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,817 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,905 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,199 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Urbana saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $104,037 in 2019 to $131,876 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $145,199 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Urbana
Compensation for senior ultrasound technologists can vary distinctly based on the type of employer and specialized skills. For instance, professionals working in specialized clinics or large healthcare organizations in Urbana typically earn higher salaries than their peers in community health settings. Roles such as clinical coordinator or department director not only bolster earning potential but also enhance job satisfaction through increased responsibilities. Advanced certifications in ultrasound technology further elevate a professional's marketability, while non-salary benefits like shift differentials and comprehensive healthcare packages can add significant value to compensation. Staying informed about the latest advancements in imaging technology and pursuing relevant certifications will also provide an edge in advancing one’s career in Illinois.
More salary data for Urbana, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Urbana in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Urbana?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Urbana?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Urbana?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Urbana?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $131,876 for ultrasound technologists in the Urbana metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Urbana 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