Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Boulder, CO: $104,909 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Boulder, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $104,909 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boulder's local price level (BEA RPP 105.2 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $99,721 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($120,271) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $104,909 in 2026. This starting pay represents a substantial entry point for new graduates considering a career in this field, but it is noticeably below the city median salary of $120,271. Over the first three to five years in the profession, new ultrasound technologists have the potential to grow their earnings from this initial rate to the 25th percentile of $135,055, indicating a growth trajectory that rewards skill development and experience. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Boulder remains a favorable market for recent graduates entering the ultrasound technology field, particularly as demand for their services continues to rise.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boulder
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 Boulder
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Boulder, CO typically start between $104,909 and $104,909 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,488 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $120,271 — 18.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Colorado of $30,000 represents just 28.60% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($104,909/year) in Boulder. 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 Boulder
- 1Research the Boulder market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $104,909 to $104,909, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boulder, 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 Boulder for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boulder'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 Boulder is $38,488 ( 36.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $104,909, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,397.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,550
2025 BLS Actual
$99,980
2026 Current Est.
$104,909
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,909 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,081 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Boulder, CO grew 41.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,550 in 2019 to $99,980 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $110,081. New graduates entering the Boulder job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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 Boulder
In Boulder, many entry-level positions are available through large hospital systems and corporate group practices that prioritize structured onboarding for new hires. These employers often look for candidates who possess not only the basic qualifications but also state licensure and, ideally, optional advanced certifications recognized by their national body to enhance their starting pay. As new ultrasound technologists begin their careers, being proactive about professional development within the first three years is crucial, as compensation varies significantly based on employer type and geographic market. Graduates could expect steady salary increases in this timeframe as they gain valuable experience and skills, building toward salaries comparable to their more seasoned peers. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential, networking and continuing education are essential strategies to adopt early on in their careers in Boulder, CO.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Boulder. 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