Chicago vs Waukegan: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Chicago, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,162▲ | $101,661 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.00▲ | $48.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,735▲ | $69,565 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,204▲ | $82,531 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,403▲ | $112,159 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,103 | $141,229▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,280▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Chicago and Waukegan is $6,501 (6.39%). 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,Waukegan spans $71,664. Waukegan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukegan ($104,697 effective) pays 0.28% more than Chicago ($104,409 effective).
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 Waukegan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,229)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,697)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Chicago grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$79,120 (2019) → $103,080 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$81,682 (2024) → $96,885 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Chicago or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Waukegan as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Chicago vs Waukegan?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
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 Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov