Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Ames, IA: $73,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Ames, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,010 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ames's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,191 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,158) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the field of ultrasound technology in Ames, Iowa, offers new graduates a promising pathway, especially given the 2026 projections for entry-level salaries. Those just starting out can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary in Ames to be around $73,010. While this figure is below the city median of $86,158, there's a clear growth trajectory for early-career professionals. Over the first three to five years, salaries can escalate toward the 25th percentile of approximately $84,395 and potentially beyond, depending on individual performance and professional development. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Ames shows a favorable market for new grads looking to establish their careers in medical imaging.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ames
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 Ames
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Ames, IA typically start between $73,010 and $84,395 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,417 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,158 — 14.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 30.13% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($73,010/year) in Ames. 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 Ames
- 1Research the Ames market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $73,010 to $84,395, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ames, 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 Ames for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ames'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 Ames is $34,417 ( 47.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,010, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,427.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,139
2025 BLS Actual
$69,580
2026 Current Est.
$73,010
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,186 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,188 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,333 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,610 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ames, IA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,139 in 2019 to $69,580 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,610. New graduates entering the Ames job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames 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 Ames
Employers in Ames typically include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, both of which are known to offer structured onboarding programs that facilitate the transition for newly licensed ultrasound technologists. To boost starting pay, candidates should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national governing bodies of ultrasound technology. In an evolving job market, having these credentials can enhance a new grad’s appeal to potential employers. Realistically, those in their first one to three years can expect gradual salary increases as they gain experience; it is common to see entry-level pay rise steadily as professionals hone their skills and expand their role within healthcare teams. The diversity in compensation often relates back to the type of employer and the geographic context, making Ames a relatively competitive environment for new graduates in this field.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ames. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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