Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $62,784 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Ottumwa, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,784 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ottumwa's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,451 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,904) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of ultrasound technology in Ottumwa, Iowa, the starting pay can be a pivotal factor in career decisions. The entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Ottumwa is projected at $62,784 for 2026, which represents a gap from the overall median annual salary of $80,904 in the city. This starting salary sets a foundation from which new graduates can build as they gain experience; the first five years in this role could see them moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $70,571 or even reaching towards the median. Given the local cost of living index of 90.4, which is below the national average, this market can be relatively favorable for first-time job seekers, especially those transitioning from their educational programs into practical roles.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ottumwa
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 Ottumwa
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Ottumwa, IA typically start between $62,784 and $70,571 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,556 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,904 — 20.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 35.04% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($62,784/year) in Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa
- 1Research the Ottumwa market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $62,784 to $70,571, 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ottumwa'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 Ottumwa is $39,556 ( 63.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,784, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,340.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,556
2025 BLS Actual
$59,834
2026 Current Est.
$62,784
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,556 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,456 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,181 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,834 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,784 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,879 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ottumwa, IA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,556 in 2019 to $59,834 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,879. New graduates entering the Ottumwa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Employers in Ottumwa looking to hire entry-level ultrasound technologists include major hospital systems and corporate group practices. These institutions often offer structured onboarding programs that support new graduates in their transition into the workforce. Motivating factors for higher salaries within the entry-level range involve obtaining state licensure and, where feasible, pursuing advanced certifications recognized nationally—these credentials can significantly boost starting ultrasound technologist pay in IA. As early-career professionals navigate their first 1-3 years, they should anticipate a salary trajectory that hinges substantially on employer type and geographic factors. Focusing on continuing education, networking, and skill specialization can position new graduates to secure advancement opportunities that enhance their earning potential in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape of Ottumwa.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Ottumwa in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Ottumwa?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Ottumwa?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Ottumwa?
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 Ottumwa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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