Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Little Rock, AR: $70,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Little Rock, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,198 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Little Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 89.4 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,553 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,252) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level ultrasound technologists in Little Rock, AR are projected to be around $70,198 in 2026. New graduates can expect a gap between this starting figure and the city median of $86,252. Despite the initial earnings potential, there is a clear growth trajectory in the first few years of the profession. Those who begin at the lower end can advance to approximately $79,170 in their early careers, ultimately moving toward the median salary as they gain experience and expertise. Considering the projected growth rate of 4.93% annually in this field, Little Rock presents a favorable job market for new ultrasound graduates, providing a solid foundation for career growth and stability.
Career Earnings Timeline in Little Rock
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 Little Rock
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Little Rock, AR typically start between $70,198 and $79,170 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,837 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,252 — 14.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Arkansas of $16,000 represents just 22.79% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($70,198/year) in Little Rock. 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 Little Rock
- 1Research the Little Rock market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $70,198 to $79,170, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Little Rock, 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 Little Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Little Rock'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 Little Rock is $34,837 ( 49.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,198, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,035.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,910
2025 BLS Actual
$66,900
2026 Current Est.
$70,198
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,659 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Little Rock, AR grew 31.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,910 in 2019 to $66,900 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,659. New graduates entering the Little Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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 Little Rock
Large healthcare providers in Little Rock, such as major hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively seek to hire new graduates. These employers often have structured onboarding programs for entry-level professionals, ensuring that the transition from education to practice is smooth. Credentials, including state licensure and optional advanced certifications, can significantly enhance starting pay in Arkansas, as they are recognized by national professional organizations. For new ultrasound technologists, developing a strategy in the first few years, focusing on gaining experience and possibly pursuing advanced certifications, can lead to increased earning potential. As employees gain experience, it's realistic to expect steady salary growth, reflecting both competencies and responsibilities that increase markedly in the early stages of one's career.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Little Rock in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Little Rock?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Little Rock?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Little Rock?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Arkansas?
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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 Little Rock. 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