Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Marion, IA: $60,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Marion, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,533 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marion's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,961 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,504) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, Iowa, new graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field can expect a starting salary around $60,533, which represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median salary of $85,504. This entry-level figure situates itself at the lower percentile of the pay spectrum, but there is potential for growth as early-career professionals typically advance to around $70,704 within a few years. For those just starting their careers in 2026, Marion presents a reasonable market where early ultrasound technologists can build experience and credentials, allowing them to progress towards the median. As they navigate their first few years in this role, understanding the growth trajectory is crucial, particularly in a market that is poised for a 4.93% annual growth rate over the coming years.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marion
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 Marion
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Marion, IA typically start between $60,533 and $70,704 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,511 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,504 — 15.64% 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 ($60,533/year) in Marion. 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 Marion
- 1Research the Marion market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,533 to $70,704, 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 Marion, 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 Marion for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marion'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 Marion is $49,511 ( 81.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,533, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,044.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,887
2025 BLS Actual
$57,689
2026 Current Est.
$60,533
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,887 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,755 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,731 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,254 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,167 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,517 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Marion, IA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,887 in 2019 to $57,689 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,517. New graduates entering the Marion job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marion 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 Marion
Employers in Marion that are likely to hire entry-level ultrasound technologists with structured onboarding programs include large hospital systems and corporate group practices. To enhance their starting pay in Iowa, new graduates should focus on obtaining state licensure and consider pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized nationally within the field. A career strategy during the initial 1-3 years should emphasize gaining diverse clinical experience and pursuing continuing education. Compensation for new grads can vary widely based on employer type, geographic factors, and the blend of credentials they possess. Realistically, those in their first three years might see a salary increase to approximately $70,000 or more, reflecting both their growing expertise and the demand for ultrasound services within the local healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Marion, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Marion in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Marion?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Marion?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Marion?
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 Marion. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marion 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