Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Westminster, CO: $81,455 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Westminster, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,455 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Westminster's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,576 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,083) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Westminster, Colorado, can expect a starting salary of around $81,455 in 2026. This entry-level pay represents a significant starting point within the broader salary range in the area, where the median annual income for ultrasound technologists is projected at $113,083. For those just launching their careers, this means that there is ample room for salary progression as they gain experience, with opportunities to increase earnings gradually—from the entry-level mark to approximately $93,027 after gaining a couple of years of experience. Given this context, Westminster presents a favorable job market for new ultrasound technologists, offering competitive entry-level salaries that are slightly above the national average, which is pegged at $101,352 for the same year.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Westminster
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 Westminster
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Westminster, CO typically start between $81,455 and $93,027 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,111 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,083 — 11.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Colorado of $30,000 represents just 36.83% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($81,455/year) in Westminster. 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 Westminster
- 1Research the Westminster market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $81,455 to $93,027, 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 Westminster, 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 Westminster for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Westminster'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 Westminster is $75,111 ( 92.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,455, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,566.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,401
2025 BLS Actual
$77,628
2026 Current Est.
$81,455
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,401 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,569 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,265 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,628 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,455 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,471 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Westminster, CO grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,401 in 2019 to $77,628 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,471. New graduates entering the Westminster job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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 Westminster
Employers in Westminster offering opportunities for new graduates primarily include major hospital systems and corporate group practices. These institutions typically provide structured onboarding programs that help ease the transition for recent graduates into the workforce. To enhance their marketability, new ultrasound technologists in Colorado should prioritize obtaining state licensure, as well as consider pursuing advanced certifications that are recognized nationally, which can potentially lead to higher starting pay and a competitive edge in the job market. In the initial 1-3 years, salary growth is generally influenced by factors such as the employer type and the specific certifications held by the technologist. Realistically, many new graduates can expect to see their salaries increase steadily as they build their skill sets, with the potential for earnings to surpass mid-range figures as they progress towards the median over their early career years in Westminster, CO.
More salary data for Westminster, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Westminster in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Westminster?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Westminster?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Westminster?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Westminster. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Westminster 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