Crystal Lake vs Peoria: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Crystal Lake, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Crystal Lake, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,669▲ | $96,630 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.47▲ | $46.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,410 | $81,646▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,056 | $83,934▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,342▲ | $105,591 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,089▲ | $119,054 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Crystal Lake, IL offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Crystal Lake and Peoria is $39 (0.04%). Crystal Lake's median is -4.62% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Crystal Lake spans $56,679,Peoria spans $37,408. Crystal Lake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($105,918 effective) pays 6.39% more than Crystal Lake ($99,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,669/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,089)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,918)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Crystal Lake grew 18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Crystal Lake, IL
$77,671 (2024) → $92,127 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$78,120 (2019) → $92,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Crystal Lake, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Crystal Lake or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Crystal Lake and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Crystal Lake to Peoria as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Crystal Lake vs Peoria?
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