Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $58,951 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Kennesaw, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,951 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennesaw's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,320 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,363) within a few years of clinical practice.

$58,951
Starting Salary
$28.34/hr
Starting Hourly
$58,951
Entry Level
$79,363
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Kennesaw, GA, can expect a starting salary around $58,951 in 2026. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary for the area, which is projected to be $79,363. Nevertheless, there is a promising growth pathway available for early-career ultrasound technologists. Within the first 3 to 5 years, a new graduate's compensation could potentially rise to $65,843, reaching closer to the median as experience and skills are gained. Kennesaw offers a reasonable environment for new graduates, given the local healthcare market’s current demand for trained professionals, paving the way for entry-level roles in a field that is poised for ongoing growth.

About the Kennesaw Market

Salary estimated from Georgia average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Kennesaw

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$58,951/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$65,843/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$79,363/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$86,647/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennesaw

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Kennesaw. The median salary is $79,363, compared to the national median of $101,352.$53.1K$66.8K$80.5K$94.2K$107.9K$59.0K10th Pctl$65.8K25th Pctl$79.4KMedian$86.6K75th Pctl$102.7K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Kennesaw, GA typically start between $58,951 and $65,843 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,781 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,36321.7% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg GA Program Cost
$58,951
Starting Salary
37.32%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Georgia of $22,000 represents just 37.32% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($58,951/year) in Kennesaw. 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 Kennesaw

  • 1Research the Kennesaw market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $58,951 to $65,843, 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Kennesaw'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 Kennesaw is $43,781 ( 74.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,951, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,732.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$43,714

2025 BLS Actual

$56,181

2026 Current Est.

$58,951

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Kennesaw (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 Kennesaw. Baseline $43,714 in 2025, projected to $61,857 by 2027.$40.1K$46.4K$52.8K$59.1K$65.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$43.7K$44.6K$49.4K$50.9K$52.8K$53.1K$56.2K$59.0K$61.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$43,714Actual
2020$44,559Actual
2021$49,405Actual
2022$50,888Actual
2023$52,751Actual
2024$53,120Actual
2025$56,181Actual
2026(current)$58,951Estimated
2027$61,857Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kennesaw, GA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,714 in 2019 to $56,181 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,857. New graduates entering the Kennesaw job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

As new ultrasound technologists embark on their careers in Kennesaw, they will likely find employment opportunities with major hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. Employers in the area typically value state licensure and encourage pursuing additional certifications from national professional bodies to enhance earning potential. Crafting a solid career strategy during the first 1 to 3 years is essential, as compensation can vary significantly based on employer type and geographic market. New grads may anticipate a progressive salary increase during the early years, especially as they take on more complex responsibilities and expand their skill sets, allowing them to close the gap between their initial pay and regional market standards for the profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Kennesaw in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Kennesaw start at approximately $58,951/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 $28.34/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 Kennesaw?

Most ultrasound technologists in Kennesaw progress from the entry-level salary of $58,951 to the area median of $79,363 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $102,732 (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 Kennesaw?

With a starting salary of $58,951/year in Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw?

New medical imaging graduates in Kennesaw typically start near the 10th percentile at $58,951/year, or approximately $28.34/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 Georgia?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Kennesaw 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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