Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Wheeling, IL: $47.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Wheeling, IL runs $47.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Wheeling, Illinois, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.64, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $48.73. This hourly rate provides a substantial income for both full-time and part-time workers within healthcare settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and various specialized clinics. For those considering part-time roles at around three days a week, sonographers can still earn a significant wage while maintaining flexibility. The hourly pay range for this profession in Wheeling varies from about $35.64 for entry-level positions to approximately $63.60 for top earners, suggesting promising growth potential within the field.
About the Wheeling 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) | $35.64 | $285.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.81 | $326.46 |
| Median (P50) | $47.64 | $381.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.29 | $426.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.60 | $508.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $47.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.64/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,166. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,905.53 | $8,257 | $99,087 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,143.32 | $4,954 | $59,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $762.21 | $3,303 | $39,635 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Wheeling) | $47.64 |
| 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 Wheeling, IL earn a median of $99,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.23% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $101,532.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.64/hr = $59,452/year (purchasing power: $61,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,087/year (purchasing power: $102,047).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Wheeling grew 30.0% from $34.93/hr (2019) to $45.40/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.99/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
When examining the part-time earnings of a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours per week, one can project annual earnings around $59,500, which showcases the viability of flexible work options. For those considering per diem or agency work, rates typically range from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized areas such as cardiac echo offering peak rates of $70 to $95. Travel sonography contracts can even yield $2,000 to $3,200 weekly, which further highlights the lucrative opportunities available. Different settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices, may offer varying hourly wages. For instance, while hospital imaging departments might provide lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, outpatient facilities may offer higher pay without perks. When negotiating hourly pay in Wheeling, emphasizing specialized skills or certifications from organizations like ARDMS may provide an edge in securing a favorable rate.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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