Sonographer Pay

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $47.32 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Carol Stream, IL runs $47.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,060 per year.

$98,425
Median Annual Salary
$47.32/hr
Hourly Rate
$67,486
Entry Level (P10)
$130,341
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Rate in Carol Stream, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Carol Stream, IL diagnostic medical sonographer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Carol Stream, the projected diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is $47.32, slightly below the national median of $48.73. This hourly wage is significant for professionals working part-time or per diem, as those in outpatient imaging centers or hospitals might typically schedule shifts of three days a week, yielding a favorable balance between work and personal life. For entry-level sonographers, hourly wages can start around $32.44, while the highest earners at the 90th percentile can command rates up to $62.66. Understanding this range provides insight into the earning potential within different workplace environments, including hospital ultrasound suites and mobile imaging units, pointing to both the variety and opportunity available in the field.

About the Carol Stream Market

Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$32.44$259.55
Lower Range (P25)$41.20$329.56
Median (P50)$47.32$378.59
Upper Range (P75)$52.52$420.14
Top Earners (P90)$62.66$501.31

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream

Based on $47.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a diagnostic medical sonographer in Carol Stream earning $47.32/hr would make approximately $56,788 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $98,433 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$56,788Reduced (32 hr/wk)$75,717Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$98,433

At $47.32/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $98,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,788. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$378.59
per 8hr shift
$1,892.94
per week
$8,203
per month
$98,433
per year

Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,892.94$8,203$98,433
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,135.76$4,922$59,060
Per Diem (16 hrs)$757.17$3,281$39,373

Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Carol Stream)$47.32
Radiologic Technologist (National Avg)$35.27
MRI Technologist (National Avg)$40.93
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg)$46.68
Cardiovascular Technologist (National Avg)$33.92
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Carol Stream ($98,425) with Illinois average ($101,469) and the US national median ($101,352).Carol Stream$98,425Illinois Avg$101,469-3.00%US National$101,352-2.89%

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $98,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.89% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $101,469.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $47.32/hr = $59,060/year (purchasing power: $60,824).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,433/year (purchasing power: $101,373).

CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$34.70/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$45.10/hr

2026 Current Est.

$47.32/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Carol Stream (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream. Baseline $34.70/hr in 2025, projected to $49.66/hr by 2027.$32$37$42$47$532019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$34.70$35.45$36.30$37.98$39.44$38.02$45.10$47.32$49.66
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$34.70/hrActual
2020$35.45/hrActual
2021$36.30/hrActual
2022$37.98/hrActual
2023$39.44/hrActual
2024$38.02/hrActual
2025$45.10/hrActual
2026(current)$47.32/hrEstimated
2027$49.66/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream grew 30.0% from $34.70/hr (2019) to $45.10/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.66/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Working as an Hourly Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Carol Stream

When analyzing the financial landscape for part-time diagnostic medical sonographers, a 24-hour workweek can lead to an annual income that varies considerably compared to full-time roles. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Carol Stream can spike, with rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, while cardiac sonography per-diem positions can reach up to $95 per hour, making these roles particularly lucrative. However, the financial situation shifts for those trading higher hourly wages for employment benefits. Many sonographers prefer stable positions in hospitals or outpatient practices despite lower hourly pay, seeking health insurance and retirement benefits. Moreover, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type; for instance, travel sonography agencies might offer premium pay for those specializing in cardiac or vascular imaging. Engaging in thoughtful negotiations can allow professionals in Carol Stream to secure favorable compensation, balancing immediate hourly rates against long-term benefits that meet their personal and financial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream is $47.32/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $32.44 at entry level (10th percentile) to $62.66 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 2.9% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Carol Stream?

A part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Carol Stream earns approximately $4,922/month, or $59,060/year at the median hourly rate of $47.32. Many diagnostic medical sonographers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream paid hourly or salary?

The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream are paid hourly at a median rate of $47.32/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $98,433/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Carol Stream?

A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Carol Stream earns approximately $98,433/year at the median hourly rate of $47.32. This is 2.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $130,342/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Carol Stream?

Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $62.66/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carol Stream. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Carol Stream is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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