HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Diagnostic Sonographer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$128,260/yr
Typical range: $120,203 – $141,647
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Diagnostic Sonographer salary by experience level in Chicago
Diagnostic Sonographer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $70,142 | $5,845 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $86,175 | $7,181 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $95,527 | $7,961 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $105,814 | $8,818 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $128,260 | $10,688 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $147,499 | $12,292 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $152,309 | $12,692 | +117% |
Current Salary
$128,260
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$147,499
Principal · 14
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Diagnostic Sonographer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Diagnostic Sonographers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $128K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Diagnostic Sonographer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $128K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Diagnostic Sonographer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Diagnostic Sonographer in Chicago, IL earns $120K–$142K/yr.