Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in North Liberty, IA: $58,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the North Liberty, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,534 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Liberty's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,750 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the ultrasound technologist field, the starting salary in North Liberty, IA, is projected to be approximately $58,534 in 2026. This amount is below the city’s median salary of $82,003, indicating that new graduates may have some initial financial constraints as they commence their careers. However, as they gain experience, they can expect their earnings to grow significantly. Over the first three to five years, starting ultrasound technologists may progress toward the 25th percentile salary of $72,893, with further potential for increased pay as they build their professional skills and expertise. With a growth trajectory of about 4.93% annually, North Liberty presents a reasonably favorable market for new entrants looking to establish their careers in medical imaging.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Liberty
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 North Liberty
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in North Liberty, IA typically start between $58,534 and $72,893 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,268 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,003 — 19.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 37.58% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($58,534/year) in North Liberty. 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 North Liberty
- 1Research the North Liberty market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $58,534 to $72,893, 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 North Liberty, 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 North Liberty for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Liberty'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 North Liberty is $47,268 ( 80.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,534, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,802.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,405
2025 BLS Actual
$55,784
2026 Current Est.
$58,534
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,405 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,244 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,056 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,420 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in North Liberty, IA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,405 in 2019 to $55,784 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,420. New graduates entering the North Liberty job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Several healthcare establishments in North Liberty are known to recruit newly graduated ultrasound technologists, with large hospital systems and group practices offering structured onboarding processes that support new hires effectively. Candidates with state licensure, in addition to optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body, typically see enhanced starting salaries. Strategic moves during the first few years on the job—such as seeking out mentorship, pursuing additional certifications, or specializing in certain areas of ultrasound—can materially impact earning potential. Compensation can fluctuate significantly depending on the type of employer, geographic location, and acquired credentials, with realistic salary growth reflecting these variables. New graduates can anticipate steady increases in salary as they transition through their initial roles over the next few years.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in North Liberty in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in North Liberty?
Is medical imaging school worth it in North Liberty?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in North Liberty?
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 North Liberty. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Liberty 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