Entry-Level Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Quincy, IL: $67,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:New diagnostic medical sonographers entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,688 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,710 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,512) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of diagnostic medical sonography in Quincy, Illinois, can expect a starting salary of around $67,688. This figure may feel low compared to the city's median annual salary of $98,512, highlighting a significant gap for those just beginning their careers. However, early-career sonographers have a strong growth trajectory ahead of them; as they gain experience over the first few years, their salaries typically rise to about $83,679 at the 25th percentile and approach the city’s median as they build their skills and credentials. Given the local job market and average cost of living index in Quincy, which is below the national average, the prospects for new grads in this field appear promising, offering stability and opportunities for progression.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Quincy, IL typically start between $67,688 and $83,679 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,936 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,512 — 2.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sonography program cost in Illinois of $28,000 represents just 41.37% of the starting diagnostic medical sonographer pay ($67,688/year) in Quincy. 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 CAAHEP-accredited (JRC-DMS recognized) diagnostic medical sonography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
DMS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer pay ranges from $67,688 to $83,679, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the sonography field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Compensation Range
The diagnostic medical sonographer wage spread in Quincy is $62,936 ( 92.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,688, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,624.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,193
2025 BLS Actual
$64,508
2026 Current Est.
$67,688
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,193 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,163 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,508 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,025 | Projected |
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,193 in 2019 to $64,508 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,025. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 sonography Career in Quincy
Exploring the employment landscape reveals that local hospitals are the primary employers for newly credentialed diagnostic medical sonographers. They often provide essential cross-training across various specialties, which can enhance a graduate's skill set and job security. For entry-level sonographers, obtaining certifications from ARDMS or state licensure can significantly bolster starting pay and career advancement opportunities. In Illinois, graduates who focus on specializations such as cardiac echo or vascular sonography may find themselves in higher pay tiers sooner compared to those in general OB-GYN settings. With annual growth projected at 4.93%, newly minted sonographers can expect a steady increase in pay during their initial years, reflecting both their evolving expertise and the ongoing demand for qualified professionals in Quincy.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Quincy in 2026?
How fast do diagnostic medical sonographer salaries grow in Quincy?
Is sonography school worth it in Quincy?
What do new diagnostic medical sonographers make right out of school in Quincy?
How do I become a diagnostic medical sonographer in Illinois?
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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
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 sonography 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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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 diagnostic medical sonographers (SOC 29-2032).
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