Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $83,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Cedar Rapids, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,168 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,486 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,743) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting your career as an ultrasound technologist in Cedar Rapids, IA offers a solid financial starting point with a projected entry-level salary of $83,168 in 2026. This figure is below the city’s median salary of $90,743, reflecting a typical gap that new graduates might find in many professions. As you embark on this career path, expect to rise quickly through the pay scale as you gain experience, with the potential to earn around $85,570 after a few years. The local job market appears favorable for entry-level candidates, with a growth rate of 4.93% projected over the next five years, making Cedar Rapids a promising location for new professionals looking to establish themselves in the field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Rapids
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 Cedar Rapids
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cedar Rapids, IA typically start between $83,168 and $85,570 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,289 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,743 — 10.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 26.45% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($83,168/year) in Cedar Rapids. 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 Cedar Rapids
- 1Research the Cedar Rapids market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $83,168 to $85,570, 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Rapids'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 Cedar Rapids is $28,289 ( 34.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,168, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,457.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,640
2025 BLS Actual
$79,260
2026 Current Est.
$83,168
2019–2027 Growth
+59.7%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,268 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Rapids, IA grew 45.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,640 in 2019 to $79,260 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,268. New graduates entering the Cedar Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
Employers such as local hospitals and corporate group practices are prime sources of employment for new graduates in this field. These institutions often provide structured onboarding processes, which can help new hires transition smoothly and potentially lead to higher salaries. Earning state licensure, along with pursuing optional advanced certifications, can significantly enhance your earning potential in Iowa. In the first few years of your career, it’s wise to seek diverse experiences that not only bolster your resume but also provide opportunities for upward mobility. Realistically, as an entry-level ultrasound technologist in Cedar Rapids, one can expect steady salary growth, moving towards higher brackets as you gain your footing and additional qualifications.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
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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 Cedar Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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