Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Orlando, FL: $68,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Orlando, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,918 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Orlando's local price level (BEA RPP 101.4 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,954 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,417) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Prospective ultrasound technologists entering the job market in Orlando, FL, can expect a starting annual pay of around $68,918 in 2026. This figure serves as a baseline for new graduates, highlighting a gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $87,417. Over the first few years, newcomers can anticipate a growth trajectory that increases their compensation as they gain experience, potentially reaching a salary of $82,066 by the time they are approximately three years into their careers. This means that while initial salaries may seem modest compared to median figures, the growth potential is significant. For new grads, Orlando presents a favorable market due to its steady job demand and opportunities for entry-level positions across various healthcare facilities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Orlando
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 Orlando
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Orlando, FL typically start between $68,918 and $82,066 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,932 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,417 — 13.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Florida of $22,000 represents just 31.92% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($68,918/year) in Orlando. 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 Orlando
- 1Research the Orlando market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $68,918 to $82,066, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Orlando, 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 Orlando for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Orlando'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 Orlando is $37,932 ( 55.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,918, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,850.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,020
2025 BLS Actual
$65,680
2026 Current Est.
$68,918
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Orlando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,316 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Orlando, FL grew 21.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,020 in 2019 to $65,680 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,316. New graduates entering the Orlando job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orlando 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 Orlando
In Orlando, numerous large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively recruit new grad ultrasound technologists, often providing structured onboarding programs that facilitate smooth transitions into the workforce. To enhance entry level ultrasound technologist salary in Orlando, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national professional bodies can significantly boost earning potential. As new professionals embark on their careers, focusing on gaining diverse clinical experiences can be beneficial, as compensation can vary widely based on employer type, geographic location, and credentials. Realistically, within the first three years, early-career ultrasound technologists may see a salary increase aligning with the market growth rate of approximately 4.93%, improving their financial standing as they advance in their profession.
More salary data for Orlando, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Orlando in 2026?
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Is medical imaging school worth it in Orlando?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Orlando?
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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 Orlando. 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