Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Ankeny, IA: $60,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Ankeny, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,540 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ankeny's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,969 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,505) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ankeny, Iowa, new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology can expect to see a starting ultrasound technologist salary of approximately $60,540 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap when compared to the city median annual salary of $84,505. However, there is potential for growth within the first few years of a technologist's career, with entry-level salaries projected to rise towards the 25th percentile salary of $70,639 and ultimately reaching the median as experience builds. For new grads, this presents an encouraging outlook in Ankeny, especially as the growth rate for the field is forecasted to be 4.93% annually over the next five years, indicating a solid opportunity for upward movement in pay and career advancement.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ankeny
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 Ankeny
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Ankeny, IA typically start between $60,540 and $70,639 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,666 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,505 — 16.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 36.34% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,540/year) in Ankeny. 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 Ankeny
- 1Research the Ankeny market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,540 to $70,639, 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 Ankeny, 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 Ankeny for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ankeny'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 Ankeny is $54,666 ( 90.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,540, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,893
2025 BLS Actual
$57,696
2026 Current Est.
$60,540
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,174 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,351 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,696 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,525 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ankeny, IA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,893 in 2019 to $57,696 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,525. New graduates entering the Ankeny job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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 Ankeny
Employers in Ankeny who actively hire entry-level ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs for new graduates. These employers often seek candidates with state licensure, and pursuing additional certifications recognized by the profession's national body can further enhance earning potential. In the first three years, those starting in Ankeny may realistically expect salary growth as they gain experience and build a professional reputation; new grad ultrasound technologist pay in IA can vary significantly based on employer type and geographical factors. Therefore, focusing on continuous education and skill enhancement in these formative years will be key to elevating starting compensation and advancing a career in the field.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Ankeny in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Ankeny?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Ankeny?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Ankeny?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Iowa?
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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 Ankeny. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny 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