Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Richmond, IN: $58,619 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,619 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,205 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,263) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the **starting ultrasound technologist salary in Richmond, IN**, is projected to be around $58,619, with an expected median annual income of $85,263. This means new graduates should set realistic expectations regarding their earnings as they begin their careers, as entry-level salaries can initially feel low in comparison to market norms. However, with industry experience, it is anticipated that many technicians may transition from entry-level pay into the P25 range of $74,609 within their first few years. Additionally, with a growth rate of 4.93% annually, the Richmond market aligns well for those entering the profession now, making it a favorable location for recent graduates to establish their careers as ultrasound technologists.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Richmond, IN typically start between $58,619 and $74,609 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,647 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,263 — 15.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Indiana of $24,000 represents just 40.94% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($58,619/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $58,619 to $74,609, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $49,647 ( 84.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,619, experienced hygienists can earn up to $108,266.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,468
2025 BLS Actual
$55,865
2026 Current Est.
$58,619
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,308 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,127 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,601 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,742 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,619 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,509 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,468 in 2019 to $55,865 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,509. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
Employment opportunities for new ultrasound technologists in Richmond typically arise from larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often implement structured onboarding programs tailored for recent graduates. Those seeking to enhance their initial compensation should consider acquiring state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional community, as these credentials can significantly improve starting pay. In the first three years after graduation, the realistic expectation is to see a gradual salary increase that can reach the mid- to upper- P25 bracket as experience grows. Given that compensation varies widely by employer type and location, new graduates should remain proactive in seeking positions with established facilities that value ongoing education and professional development as part of their career strategy in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Richmond in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Richmond?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Richmond?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Richmond?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Indiana?
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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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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