Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Dubuque, IA: $61,608 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Dubuque, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,608 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dubuque's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,150 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,990) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those stepping into the field of sonography, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Dubuque, IA, presents both realistic expectations and opportunities for growth. In 2026, new graduates can anticipate starting salaries around $61,608, which is significantly below the city’s median figure of $87,990. This gap highlights the typical progression for these professionals; they can expect to see their earnings rise to approximately $72,547 within a few years, aligning closer to the median as they gain experience. With a notable growth rate of 4.93% annually, Dubuque appears to be a favorable market for new ultrasound technologists, allowing them to establish a solid foundation for their careers while contributing to the healthcare landscape in the area.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dubuque
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 Dubuque
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Dubuque, IA typically start between $61,608 and $72,547 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,617 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,990 — 13.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 35.71% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,608/year) in Dubuque. 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 Dubuque
- 1Research the Dubuque market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,608 to $72,547, 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 Dubuque, 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 Dubuque for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dubuque'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 Dubuque is $56,617 ( 91.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,608, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,225.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,684
2025 BLS Actual
$58,713
2026 Current Est.
$61,608
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,181 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,129 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,256 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,713 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,608 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,645 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dubuque, IA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,684 in 2019 to $58,713 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,645. New graduates entering the Dubuque job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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 Dubuque
When pursuing a career as an ultrasound technologist in Dubuque, recent graduates should target larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that commonly hire new entrants into the profession. These employers often provide structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smoother transition for those just starting their careers. To enhance their competitive edge, new graduates should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body for ultrasound technologists, which can lead to higher starting pay. In the first three years, new grads can realistically expect salary growth that reflects the variation in compensation based on employer type and credential mix. Dedication to developing specialized skills will greatly assist in maximizing earning potential early in their careers, allowing them to navigate the evolving demands of the field.
More salary data for Dubuque, 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 Dubuque. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dubuque 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