The terms ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are regularly used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in Illinois (IL).
On this page, we interchange the terms ultrasound tech schools in Illinois and sonography schools in Illinois.
Below you will find information on the steps to becoming an ultrasound tech in Illinois as well as information on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Illinois
Ultrasound techs in Illinois will typically have earned either a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification from a recognized certifying body.
Best Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois for 2023
Ultrasound tech schools in Illinois are accredited by the CAAHEP.
Accreditation confirms that a school delivers a high level of quality education ensuring that students are well prepared for certification and entry into the healthcare field as an ultrasound technician.
There are currently 10 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Illinois.
| College | Metro Area | More Details |
|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | Program Page |
| Harper College | Palatine | Program Page |
| John A. Logan College | Carterville | Program Page |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet | Program Page |
| Mercyhealth | Rockford | Program Page |
| Northwestern Memorial Hospital | Chicago | Program Page |
| Rockford Career College | Rockford | Program Page |
| Rush University | Chicago | Program Page |
| Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | Program Page |
| Triton College | River Grove | Program Page |
Most schools offer either an associate’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 2 years. Some schools will also offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a 1-year certificate program.
Illinois Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Illinois. However, in today’s competitive jobs market certification is strongly recommended given that most employers seek certification as a mark of skills level and credentials.
In order to become certified, you will need to successfully pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams.
Successful completion of an approved program at an accredited school is an essential requirement to qualify to sit the certification exams.
Other certification options are available to those wishing to specialize in a particular area such as cardiac and ophthalmic including the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
If you have any further questions about certification or licensing for ultrasound techs in Illinois you can contact;
State Board: Illinois Emergency Management Agency
Website: www2.illinois.gov/iema/
Phone: (217) 785-9913
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Illinois
| Average Salary | $77,840 |
| Hourly Wage | $37.42 |
| Top 10% | $103,560 |
| Bottom 10% | $54,920 |
| Employed | 3,010 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Illinois is $77,840 and is almost equal to the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This translates to an hourly pay of $37.42.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Illinois has grown by 4%, or $3,070, since 2016.
The above data is taken from studies released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Illinois make an average salary of $103,560 whilst the bottom 10% or entry-level ultrasound techs make just $54,920 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Rockford earn the highest average salaries in Illinois at $80,250 per annum. Those working in Carbondale-Marion earn the lowest average salaries at $69,950 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $73,620 | $35.40 | 40 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $69,950 | $33.63 | 90 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $73,550 | $35.36 | 40 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $79,040 | $38.00 | 2,250 |
| Peoria | $78,380 | $37.68 | 130 |
| Rockford | $80,250 | $38.58 | 130 |
| Springfield | $77,670 | $37.34 | 80 |
Employment
There are currently 3,010 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Illinois (2021). This represents an increase of 23%, or 560 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Illinois are based in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Illinois
Average salaries have experienced a rise of 4% since 2016 whilst the number of jobs for the profession in Illinois has experienced an increase of 23% over the same period.
Going forward the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 12% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all other professions.
The table below compares salary and employment for ultrasound techs with similar or related healthcare careers in Illinois.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $77,840 | 3,010 |
| X Ray Tech | $63,630 | 8,470 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $55,440 | 2,730 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $84,800 | 720 |
| MRI Tech | $73,850 | 2,340 |