Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Elgin, IL: $107,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Elgin, IL earns a median $107,198/year (≈ $51.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $110,400 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, Illinois, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect a median annual salary of $107,198 in 2026, outpacing the national median by 5.77%. The expected salary range for professionals in the field varies significantly, with earnings projected between $76,449 at the lower end (P10) to $147,420 at the high end (P90). This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflects the implications of the local healthcare landscape, particularly the structure of employers. Hospitals typically offer competitive salaries compared to outpatient imaging chains, which have become more prevalent in recent years. Consequently, those navigating their career choices in Elgin should be mindful of how these structural factors influence diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Elgin IL.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,449 | $36.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,604 | $42.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,198 | $51.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,909 | $58.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,420 | $70.88 |
Median Salary Position
5.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,971 (2026 est.). At $107,198, the local median is 5.77% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Elgin median: $107,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $101,513 | +5.60% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +5.77% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Elgin, IL earn a median of $107,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 5.60% above the Illinois state average of $101,513.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $107,198 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,400 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,607
2025 BLS Actual
$102,161
2026 Current Est.
$107,198
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,607 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,645 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,482 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $78,607 (2019) to $102,161 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,482 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,875 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,449 – $87,604 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,604 – $107,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,198 – $120,909 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,909 – $147,420 |
DMS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual diagnostic medical sonographer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Market in Elgin
With only 16 diagnostic medical sonographers employed locally, the job market demonstrates steady demand in Elgin, albeit with competitive pressures. The cost of living in the area, indexed at 97.1, suggests that while salaries are relatively high, purchasing power is somewhat cushioned compared to national averages. Among the local employers, hospital imaging departments generally provide the highest compensation, while outpatient chains like RadNet and SimonMed offer enticing packages that may include perks tied to travel staffing. Factors like specialty—where cardiac imaging positions yield the most, followed by vascular and OB-GYN—also play a significant role in salary variations. Those aiming to maximize their earnings in this market should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as ARDMS credentials in specialties, which can enhance their attractiveness to potential employers and lead to better pay opportunities.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Elgin, IL in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Elgin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Elgin?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $102,161 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Elgin metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elgin 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