Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wasilla, AK: $75,970 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Wasilla, AK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,970 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wasilla's local price level (BEA RPP 106.16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,602 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,413) within a few years of clinical practice.

$75,970
Starting Salary
$36.53/hr
Starting Hourly
$75,970
Entry Level
$99,413
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Wasilla, AK — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Wasilla, AK ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Wasilla, Alaska, a new graduate entering the field as an ultrasound technologist can expect a starting salary around $75,970 in 2026. This figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $99,413, yet it reflects a typical entry-level pay in healthcare professions. As new ultrasound technologists gain experience and further their skills, they can anticipate a gradual salary increase, reaching around $83,693 after several years. With the overall growth trajectory for ultrasound technologists projected at 4.93% annually, Wasilla represents a solid market for new graduates, providing ample opportunities to advance their careers despite the slightly lower starting pay relative to the national average of $101,352.

About the Wasilla Market

Salary estimated from Alaska average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Wasilla

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$75,970/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$83,693/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$99,413/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$106,800/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wasilla

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Wasilla. The median salary is $99,413, compared to the national median of $101,352.$68.4K$83.9K$99.4K$115.0K$130.5K$76.0K10th Pctl$83.7K25th Pctl$99.4KMedian$106.8K75th Pctl$124.3K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wasilla, AK typically start between $75,970 and $83,693 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,302 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,4131.91% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Wasilla metro area.

Return on Investment

$26,000
Avg AK Program Cost
$75,970
Starting Salary
34.22%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Alaska of $26,000 represents just 34.22% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($75,970/year) in Wasilla. 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 Wasilla

  • 1Research the Wasilla market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $75,970 to $83,693, 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 AK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wasilla, 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 Wasilla for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Wasilla's moderate 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 Wasilla is $48,302 ( 63.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,970, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,272.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$56,334

2025 BLS Actual

$72,401

2026 Current Est.

$75,970

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wasilla (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Wasilla. Baseline $56,334 in 2025, projected to $79,716 by 2027.$51.7K$59.8K$68.0K$76.2K$84.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$56.3K$57.4K$63.7K$65.6K$68.0K$75.8K$72.4K$76.0K$79.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$56,334Actual
2020$57,423Actual
2021$63,668Actual
2022$65,579Actual
2023$67,981Actual
2024$75,782Actual
2025$72,401Actual
2026(current)$75,970Estimated
2027$79,716Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wasilla, AK grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,334 in 2019 to $72,401 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,716. New graduates entering the Wasilla job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Wasilla

In Wasilla, potential employers of new ultrasound technologists typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer formal onboarding programs tailored for recent graduates. Obtaining state licensure is essential for practice, and pursuing advanced certifications can further enhance starting pay in Alaska. Successful new grads in this field should focus on building their skills and networking during their first few years of employment, as compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer and region. For instance, ultrasound technologists can look forward to salary increases that align with local market demands and their growing expertise. Given the current landscape, there’s significant potential for early-career professionals to achieve a comfortable salary increase within their first three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Wasilla in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wasilla start at approximately $75,970/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $36.52/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Wasilla?

Most ultrasound technologists in Wasilla progress from the entry-level salary of $75,970 to the area median of $99,413 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $124,272 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Wasilla?

With a starting salary of $75,970/year in Wasilla and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Wasilla?

New medical imaging graduates in Wasilla typically start near the 10th percentile at $75,970/year, or approximately $36.52/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Alaska?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Alaska, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Alaska, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Alaska

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Wasilla. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Wasilla is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: