Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Littleton, CO: $78,509 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Littleton, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,509 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Littleton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,770 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,832) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates aiming to become ultrasound technologists in Littleton, Colorado, can anticipate a starting salary of around $78,509. This figure represents the lower tenth percentile for entry-level positions in this market. Compared to the local median annual salary of $106,832 for ultrasound technologists, entry-level pay presents a noticeable gap. However, as early-career professionals gain experience and skills, they can expect to see their salary trajectory improve, with many advancing to around $90,381 within their first few years. Given these figures, Littleton offers a moderately favorable job market for new grads, especially with a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, which indicates a positive outlook for future employment opportunities in the field.
About the Littleton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Littleton
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 Littleton
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Littleton, CO typically start between $78,509 and $90,381 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,301 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,832 — 5.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Colorado of $30,000 represents just 38.21% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($78,509/year) in Littleton. 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 Littleton
- 1Research the Littleton market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $78,509 to $90,381, 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 Littleton, 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 Littleton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Littleton'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 Littleton is $62,301 ( 79.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,509, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,810.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,217
2025 BLS Actual
$74,820
2026 Current Est.
$78,509
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,217 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,509 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,379 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Littleton, CO grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,217 in 2019 to $74,820 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,379. New graduates entering the Littleton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Littleton 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 Littleton
Newly minted ultrasound technologists seeking employment in Littleton will find that large hospital systems and established corporate practices are the primary employers willing to hire recent graduates, as they often provide structured onboarding programs. To enhance starting ultrasound technologist pay in CO, obtaining state licensure alongside advanced certifications recognized by the national governing body is advisable. In crafting a strategic approach to the first 1-3 years in this profession, new technologists should consider targeting employers known for their comprehensive training and support. Over the initial years, with the right credentials and experience, individuals can realistically expect salary growth that reflects their acquired skills and responsibilities, ensuring incremental increases as they transition into more advanced roles within the industry.
More salary data for Littleton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Littleton in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Littleton?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Littleton?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Littleton?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Colorado?
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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 Littleton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Littleton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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