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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.66/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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.
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.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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).
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