Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $47.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Des Plaines, IL runs $47.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $47.19, which is slightly below the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate supports various work arrangements, including part-time schedules and per-diem positions often found in hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For those working three days a week (about 24 hours), this pay translates to a stable income, while per-diem workers may find flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for this profession is diverse, spanning from entry-level rates of $33.42 to top earners making $62.24, reflecting the varying levels of experience and certification among diagnostic medical sonographers in the area.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $33.42 | $267.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.12 | $304.97 |
| Median (P50) | $47.19 | $377.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.87 | $414.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.24 | $497.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $47.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.19/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $98,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,624. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,887.48 | $8,179 | $98,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,132.49 | $4,907 | $58,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.99 | $3,272 | $39,260 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Des Plaines) | $47.19 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $98,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.17% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $101,489.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.19/hr = $58,889/year (purchasing power: $60,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,149/year (purchasing power: $101,080).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Des Plaines grew 30.0% from $34.60/hr (2019) to $44.97/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.51/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
When considering part-time opportunities, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week would bring home a significantly different annual amount compared to their full-time counterparts. Many per-diem sonographers in Des Plaines command rates between $55 and $80 per hour, with those specializing in cardiac echocardiography reaching as high as $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts also offer enticing compensation, with some professionals earning $2,000 to $3,200 weekly, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac and vascular sonography. Across different employer types—like hospital imaging departments, outpatient facilities, and specialized practices—there can be notable disparities in hourly wages. While some may opt for lower pay in facilities that provide benefits, others prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Understanding this trade-off can help sonographers negotiate effectively, ensuring they find a balance between compensation and overall job satisfaction in Des Plaines, IL.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Des Plaines in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Des Plaines?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Des Plaines paid hourly or salary?
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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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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