Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $46.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Elmhurst, IL runs $46.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,619 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, the hourly pay for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to reach a median of $46.17 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $48.73. This hourly wage reflects the various working arrangements available in the field, particularly for part-time roles, which might involve a typical schedule of three days a week in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites or outpatient imaging centers. For individuals working per diem, hourly rates can vary widely within the Elmhurst area, with entry-level sonographers earning around $33.61 per hour, while top earners can make up to $58.96 per hour. These figures highlight the dynamic nature of diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Elmhurst, particularly in a healthcare environment that values specialized skills, including RDMS and RDCS credentials.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $33.61 | $268.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.82 | $310.59 |
| Median (P50) | $46.17 | $369.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.92 | $399.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.96 | $471.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $46.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.17/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $96,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,403. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,846.77 | $8,003 | $96,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,108.06 | $4,802 | $57,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $738.71 | $3,201 | $38,413 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Elmhurst) | $46.17 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $96,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.25% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $101,513.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.17/hr = $57,619/year (purchasing power: $59,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,032/year (purchasing power: $98,900).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Elmhurst grew 30.0% from $33.86/hr (2019) to $44.00/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.45/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
When considering the potential earnings for a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Elmhurst working three days a week, the annual income could be significantly less than full-time employment. For those working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate, the annual take-home could reflect a lower financial commitment, emphasizing a distinct appeal for work-life balance. In contrast, per diem diagnostic medical sonographers may find themselves billing at a higher rate, typically ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, which can skyrocket for specialties such as cardiac echo, where per diem rates can hit $70-$95 per hour. The disparities in hourly rates across various employer types, including hospitals and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, further complicate the decision-making process. Many professionals weigh the benefits of stable employment, such as health insurance, against the flexibility of higher hourly pay without benefits. For those negotiating their hourly wages, it is advisable to emphasize specialized skills and experience while being aware of the thriving market for travel sonography contracts, which can yield lucrative earnings.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Elmhurst in 2026?
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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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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