Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $61,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Bettendorf, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,807 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bettendorf's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,371 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,075) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting ultrasound technologist salary in Bettendorf, IA, for new graduates is projected at around $61,807 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $83,075, indicating a potential gap for those just entering the profession. For early-career technologists, the income trajectory can be encouraging, with the opportunity to progress toward $70,841 at the 25th percentile within a few years, and further toward the median salary as experience is gained. Given the positive annual growth rate of 4.93% in this field, Bettendorf remains a viable market for new graduates looking to launch their careers in ultrasound technology.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bettendorf
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 Bettendorf
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Bettendorf, IA typically start between $61,807 and $70,841 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,579 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,075 — 18.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 35.59% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,807/year) in Bettendorf. 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 Bettendorf
- 1Research the Bettendorf market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,807 to $70,841, 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 Bettendorf, 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 Bettendorf for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bettendorf'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 Bettendorf is $48,579 ( 78.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,807, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,386.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,832
2025 BLS Actual
$58,903
2026 Current Est.
$61,807
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,832 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,718 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,854 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bettendorf, IA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,832 in 2019 to $58,903 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,854. New graduates entering the Bettendorf job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf
Employers that typically hire new grads in Bettendorf include prominent hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs designed to support recent graduates. In this region, candidates holding state licensure, along with optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body, can enhance their starting pay and job prospects. Within the first three years, compensation can vary significantly based on employer type, geographic parameters, and credential levels. Entry-level professionals can realistically expect to see salary increases as they gain experience and further their skills through continuing education, potentially seeing upward movement towards the 75th percentile salary of $92,688. Focusing on obtaining specialized certifications during the early stages of their careers can also lead to better pay and opportunities in this growing field.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Bettendorf in 2026?
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Is medical imaging school worth it in Bettendorf?
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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 Bettendorf. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bettendorf 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