Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Augusta, GA: $64,322 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Augusta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,322 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 91.9 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,989 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,301) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Prospective ultrasound technologists entering the Augusta, GA job market in 2026 can anticipate a starting pay of approximately $64,322, which falls within the lower range of the salary spectrum for this role. This figure represents a significant gap when contrasted with the overall city median annual salary of $84,301, suggesting that early-career professionals may find avenues for growth as they gain experience. Over the first few years, entry-level workers will have the opportunity to explore upward mobility, as salaries typically rise from the starting range up to the 25th percentile at around $77,071 within three to five years. Given Augusta's projected growth in the field, with an annual increase rate of 4.93%, the market presents a promising environment for new graduates seeking to establish their careers as ultrasound technologists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
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 Augusta
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Augusta, GA typically start between $64,322 and $77,071 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,408 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,301 — 16.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Georgia of $22,000 represents just 34.20% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($64,322/year) in Augusta. 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 Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $64,322 to $77,071, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, 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 Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta's below-average 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 Augusta is $37,408 ( 58.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,322, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,730.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,970
2025 BLS Actual
$61,300
2026 Current Est.
$64,322
2019–2027 Growth
+32.4%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,322 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,493 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, GA grew 20.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,970 in 2019 to $61,300 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,493. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
In Augusta, opportunities for new grads abound within large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which are known to provide structured onboarding programs tailored for recent graduates. This can significantly ease the transition into the workforce and enhance early career development. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national body can elevate starting salaries and open doors to more competitive positions. As entry-level professionals progress through their first three years, they can expect to see realistic salary growth as varying factors, such as employer type and credential mix, come into play. Those who navigate these early career decisions with care may see a considerable bump in their overall earnings as they gain hands-on experience in the ultrasound technologist field in Augusta, GA.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Augusta in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Augusta?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Augusta?
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How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Georgia?
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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 Augusta. 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