Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $84,248 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,248 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 94.46% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,234 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,417) within a few years of clinical practice.

$84,248
Starting Salary
$40.50/hr
Starting Hourly
$84,248
Entry Level
$97,417
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

For new graduates entering the healthcare field as ultrasound technologists in Idaho Falls, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $84,248 in 2026. This figure represents a significant entry point when compared to the median salary in the city of $97,417, creating a gap that new technologists can expect to close as they gain experience over the next few years. It's realistic for early-career professionals to anticipate being promoted to earnings between $84,878 and eventually reaching the median salary as they navigate through their initial 3-5 years in the profession. With an estimated growth trajectory of 4.93% annually, Idaho Falls offers a promising market for new ultrasound technicians looking to establish themselves professionally and financially in the field.

Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$84,248/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$84,878/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$97,417/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$106,651/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Idaho Falls

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Idaho Falls. The median salary is $97,417, compared to the national median of $101,352.$75.8K$88.6K$101.3K$114.0K$126.8K$84.2K10th Pctl$84.9K25th Pctl$97.4KMedian$106.7K75th Pctl$120.7K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $84,248 and $84,878 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,474 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,4173.88% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg ID Program Cost
$84,248
Starting Salary
26.11%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Idaho of $22,000 represents just 26.11% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($84,248/year) in Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls

  • 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $84,248 to $84,878, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Idaho Falls'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 Idaho Falls is $36,474 ( 43.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,248, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,722.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$62,473

2025 BLS Actual

$80,290

2026 Current Est.

$84,248

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Idaho Falls (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 Idaho Falls. Baseline $62,473 in 2025, projected to $88,402 by 2027.$38.1K$52.8K$67.4K$82.1K$96.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$62.5K$63.7K$46.5K$49.6K$75.4K$57.2K$80.3K$84.2K$88.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$62,473Actual
2020$63,680Actual
2021$46,490Actual
2022$49,590Actual
2023$75,389Actual
2024$57,230Actual
2025$80,290Actual
2026(current)$84,248Estimated
2027$88,402Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,473 in 2019 to $80,290 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,402. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Several healthcare facilities around Idaho Falls are prime employers for recent graduates in this in-demand profession. Large hospital systems and corporate practices typically provide structured onboarding programs that help new grads acclimate effectively to the workplace. For enhanced starting ultrasound technologist pay, attaining state licensure and considering optional advanced certifications can set candidates apart in this competitive job market. Within the first few years of their career, new ultrasound technologists can expect their compensation to reflect the varying factors of employer type, geographical demand, and credential progression, leading to potential increases in pay as they establish their skills. Realistically, achieving a salary above the starting point is quite feasible for motivated entry-level professionals through dedication and continued education aimed at professional growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Idaho Falls in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Idaho Falls start at approximately $84,248/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 $40.50/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 Idaho Falls?

Most ultrasound technologists in Idaho Falls progress from the entry-level salary of $84,248 to the area median of $97,417 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $120,722 (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 Idaho Falls?

With a starting salary of $84,248/year in Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls?

New medical imaging graduates in Idaho Falls typically start near the 10th percentile at $84,248/year, or approximately $40.50/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 Idaho?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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

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