Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pinellas Park, FL: $61,466 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Pinellas Park, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,466 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pinellas Park's local price level (BEA RPP 100.81% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,978 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,439) within a few years of clinical practice.

$61,466
Starting Salary
$29.55/hr
Starting Hourly
$61,466
Entry Level
$84,439
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For recent graduates entering the field, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Pinellas Park is projected to be approximately $61,466 in 2026. This figure reflects the entry-level pay, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $84,439, indicating a significant gap for new professionals. While this starting salary may seem modest, there is potential for growth within the first few years, as new graduates can expect salaries to rise to around $71,573 at the 25th percentile. Within a 3-5 year timeframe, many can achieve earnings that approach the median, making Pinellas Park a viable job market for those just beginning their careers in medical imaging.

About the Pinellas Park Market

Salary estimated from Florida average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Pinellas Park

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$61,466/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$71,573/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$84,439/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$91,116/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinellas Park

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Pinellas Park. The median salary is $84,439, compared to the national median of $101,352.$55.3K$72.2K$89.1K$106.0K$122.8K$61.5K10th Pctl$71.6K25th Pctl$84.4KMedian$91.1K75th Pctl$117.0K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pinellas Park, FL typically start between $61,466 and $71,573 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,514 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,43916.69% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg FL Program Cost
$61,466
Starting Salary
35.79%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Florida of $22,000 represents just 35.79% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,466/year) in Pinellas Park. 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 Pinellas Park

  • 1Research the Pinellas Park market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,466 to $71,573, 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 Pinellas Park, 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 Pinellas Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Pinellas Park'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 Pinellas Park is $55,514 ( 90.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,466, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,980.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$45,579

2025 BLS Actual

$58,578

2026 Current Est.

$61,466

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pinellas Park (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 Pinellas Park. Baseline $45,579 in 2025, projected to $64,496 by 2027.$41.8K$48.4K$55.0K$61.7K$68.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$45.6K$46.5K$51.5K$53.1K$55.0K$55.0K$58.6K$61.5K$64.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$45,579Actual
2020$46,460Actual
2021$51,513Actual
2022$53,059Actual
2023$55,002Actual
2024$54,957Actual
2025$58,578Actual
2026(current)$61,466Estimated
2027$64,496Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pinellas Park, FL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,579 in 2019 to $58,578 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,496. New graduates entering the Pinellas Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Pinellas Park, several large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively recruit entry-level ultrasound technologists, providing structured onboarding programs that help ease the transition from academic training into professional environments. New graduates can enhance their qualifications and starting pay by obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body. During the first three years in the field, salary growth can vary widely depending on employer type and geographic focused strategies; many may see increases that align with the region’s anticipated annual growth rate of 4.93%. With early investments in additional training or certifications, new graduate ultrasound technologists in FL can position themselves for favorable pay increases, contributing to an advantageous career trajectory in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Pinellas Park in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pinellas Park start at approximately $61,466/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 $29.55/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 Pinellas Park?

Most ultrasound technologists in Pinellas Park progress from the entry-level salary of $61,466 to the area median of $84,439 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $116,980 (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 Pinellas Park?

With a starting salary of $61,466/year in Pinellas Park 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 Pinellas Park?

New medical imaging graduates in Pinellas Park typically start near the 10th percentile at $61,466/year, or approximately $29.55/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 Florida?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Pinellas Park 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

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