Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Iowa City, IA: $76,053 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Iowa City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,053 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Iowa City's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,110 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,226) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Iowa City can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary of around $76,053 in 2026. This initial pay is significantly lower than the city median salary of $91,226, indicating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. In the first three to five years of their careers, ultrasound technologists can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience. Typically, salaries progress from entry-level wages to higher earnings that may reach the median with continued service and skill development. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Iowa City presents a favorable environment for new graduates considering their first employment opportunities in this field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Iowa City
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 Iowa City
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Iowa City, IA typically start between $76,053 and $76,053 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,890 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,226 — 9.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 28.93% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($76,053/year) in Iowa City. 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 Iowa City
- 1Research the Iowa City market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $76,053 to $76,053, 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 Iowa City, 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 Iowa City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Iowa City'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 Iowa City is $37,890 ( 49.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,053, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,943.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,480
2025 BLS Actual
$72,480
2026 Current Est.
$76,053
2019–2027 Growth
+43.8%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,053 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,803 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Iowa City, IA grew 30.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,480 in 2019 to $72,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,803. New graduates entering the Iowa City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa City 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 Iowa City
Several major healthcare organizations and group practices in Iowa City actively recruit new ultrasound technologists, often providing structured onboarding programs to facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce. For individuals seeking to enhance their marketability, obtaining state licensure along with advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can lead to higher pay early in their careers. During the first few years, salaries may vary depending on the employer type and geographic market; established facilities tend to provide better compensation packages. In a healthy market like Iowa City, new ultrasound technologists can aspire to realistic salary growth, advancing from entry-level wages as they build experience and credentials, ultimately positioning themselves for higher earnings and specialized roles in the industry.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Iowa City 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 Iowa City. 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