Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Montgomery, AL: $60,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Montgomery, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,198 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montgomery's local price level (BEA RPP 89.7 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,124 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,541) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those embarking on a career as an entry-level ultrasound technologist in Montgomery, Alabama can anticipate a starting salary around $60,198. While this figure falls below the city’s median annual salary of $71,541, it offers a solid platform for growth as new graduates gain experience. Over the first three to five years, individuals can realistically expect their earnings to rise through the percentiles, reaching approximately $65,739 at the 25th percentile and potentially beyond as they gain skills and confidence in their roles. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Montgomery presents a promising market for new grads seeking opportunities in this field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Montgomery
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montgomery
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Montgomery, AL typically start between $60,198 and $65,739 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,408 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,541 — 29.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Alabama of $18,000 represents just 29.90% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,198/year) in Montgomery. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Montgomery
- 1Research the Montgomery market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,198 to $65,739, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Montgomery, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Montgomery for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Montgomery's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Montgomery is $27,408 ( 45.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,198, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,606.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,930
2025 BLS Actual
$57,370
2026 Current Est.
$60,198
2019–2027 Growth
+62.3%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,166 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Montgomery, AL grew 47.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,930 in 2019 to $57,370 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,166. New graduates entering the Montgomery job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montgomery 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.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in Montgomery
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist profession have several employment options in Montgomery, particularly through major hospital systems and corporate group practices that are open to hiring early-career professionals. These employers typically offer structured onboarding programs, which can greatly enhance a new technologist's skills and increase their starting pay in Alabama. Achieving state licensure is crucial, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can further boost earning potential. In the first three years, salary progression varies significantly based on employer type and the technologist's credential mix, but many can expect a gradual but steady increase in their earnings as they build competency and prove their value within their teams. Enjoying a supportive employer can make a significant difference in this early stage, setting the foundation for a successful career in medical imaging.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Montgomery in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Montgomery?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Montgomery?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Montgomery?
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Montgomery. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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 ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov