Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wilmington, DE: $70,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Wilmington, DE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,006 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 101.7 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,836 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,001) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Wilmington, Delaware, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected at $70,006 in 2026. While this figure is lower than the city's median salary of $101,001, it reflects a common entry-point for those just launching their careers. Over the first few years, it's realistic for professionals to expect gradual increases in pay as they gain experience, moving into the $82,664 range by approximately three years into their careers. Wilmington currently presents a viable market for those first stepping into the profession, especially considering the anticipated growth and opportunities available here.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
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 Wilmington
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wilmington, DE typically start between $70,006 and $82,664 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,063 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,001 — 0.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Delaware of $30,000 represents just 42.85% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($70,006/year) in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $70,006 to $82,664, 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 DE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington'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 Wilmington is $61,063 ( 87.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,006, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,069.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,912
2025 BLS Actual
$66,717
2026 Current Est.
$70,006
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,431 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,644 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,717 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,457 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, DE grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,912 in 2019 to $66,717 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,457. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
In Wilmington, various healthcare employers actively seek to hire new graduates, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that often provide structured onboarding processes. Earning state licensure is essential, but new technologists can boost their earning potential further by pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national body for the profession. Within the first three years, ultrasound technologists can expect salary growth tied to their employer type and credentials. While the market varies, early-career specialists might realistically see salary increases that align with the general industry trends in Delaware, emphasizing the significance of continually developing one’s skills and qualifications in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Wilmington in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Wilmington?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Wilmington?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Wilmington?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Delaware?
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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 Wilmington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilmington 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