Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Greeley, CO: $78,482 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Greeley, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,482 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Greeley's local price level (BEA RPP 105.05% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,745 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,620) within a few years of clinical practice.

$78,482
Starting Salary
$37.73/hr
Starting Hourly
$78,482
Entry Level
$111,620
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For those entering the field in Greeley, Colorado, the starting ultrasound technologist salary reflects the realities of the job market and local economy in 2026. With entry-level positions beginning at around $78,482, new graduates can expect to face a substantial gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $111,620. Over the first few years, compensation tends to rise in alignment with experience, moving from the entry-level pay toward figures like $92,534 within the first few years into their careers. This trajectory indicates that Greeley presents a favorable market for newly minted technologists; the demand in healthcare across the region suggests ample job availability and the potential for growth.

About the Greeley Market

Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Greeley

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$78,482/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$92,534/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$111,620/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$127,282/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greeley

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Greeley. The median salary is $111,620, compared to the national median of $101,352.$70.6K$93.8K$116.9K$140.0K$163.2K$78.5K10th Pctl$92.5K25th Pctl$111.6KMedian$127.3K75th Pctl$155.4K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Greeley, CO typically start between $78,482 and $92,534 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,915 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,62010.13% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg CO Program Cost
$78,482
Starting Salary
38.23%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Colorado of $30,000 represents just 38.23% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($78,482/year) in Greeley. 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 Greeley

  • 1Research the Greeley market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $78,482 to $92,534, 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 Greeley, 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 Greeley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Greeley'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 Greeley is $76,915 ( 98.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,482, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,397.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$58,197

2025 BLS Actual

$74,795

2026 Current Est.

$78,482

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Greeley (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 Greeley. Baseline $58,197 in 2025, projected to $82,352 by 2027.$53.4K$61.8K$70.3K$78.7K$87.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$58.2K$59.3K$65.8K$67.7K$70.2K$69.6K$74.8K$78.5K$82.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$58,197Actual
2020$59,322Actual
2021$65,774Actual
2022$67,748Actual
2023$70,229Actual
2024$69,555Actual
2025$74,795Actual
2026(current)$78,482Estimated
2027$82,352Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Greeley, CO grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,197 in 2019 to $74,795 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,352. New graduates entering the Greeley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greeley 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 Greeley

In Greeley, major employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively recruit new graduates for ultrasound technologist roles. These organizations often implement structured onboarding programs to facilitate the transition from student to professional. To improve their starting pay in Colorado, new ultrasound technologists should aim to obtain relevant state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications offered by national professional bodies. Within the first three years in the field, realistic expectations for salary growth often hinge on employer type, geographic market, and credentialing. New grads might anticipate incremental increases in compensation, reflecting not just their experience but also their strategic approach to career development in a competitive healthcare environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Greeley start at approximately $78,482/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 $37.73/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 Greeley?

Most ultrasound technologists in Greeley progress from the entry-level salary of $78,482 to the area median of $111,620 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $155,397 (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 Greeley?

With a starting salary of $78,482/year in Greeley 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 Greeley?

New medical imaging graduates in Greeley typically start near the 10th percentile at $78,482/year, or approximately $37.73/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 Colorado?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Colorado, 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 Colorado, 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 Colorado

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Greeley 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: