Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Dodge City, KS: $63,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Dodge City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,465 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dodge City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,159) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Dodge City, Kansas, can expect an entry-level salary in the vicinity of $63,465. This starting figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $87,159, indicating a significant gap to bridge as professionals advance through their careers. New ultrasound technologists typically experience growth in compensation, projected to reach $73,304 within the first few years and possibly aligning closer to the median as they gain experience and establish their skills. Given the 4.93% annual growth rate, Dodge City represents a reasonable market for aspiring ultrasound professionals, especially in light of its cost of living index of 90.9, which is below the national average.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dodge 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 Dodge City
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Dodge City, KS typically start between $63,465 and $73,304 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,159 — 14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Kansas of $20,000 represents just 31.51% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($63,465/year) in Dodge 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 Dodge City
- 1Research the Dodge City market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $63,465 to $73,304, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dodge 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 Dodge City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dodge 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 Dodge City is $47,857 ( 75.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,465, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,322.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,061
2025 BLS Actual
$60,483
2026 Current Est.
$63,465
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,061 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,971 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,188 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,784 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,536 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,594 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dodge City, KS grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,061 in 2019 to $60,483 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,594. New graduates entering the Dodge City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge 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 Dodge City
In Dodge City, large hospital systems and corporate group practices are key employers that actively seek to recruit new graduates in the ultrasound technologist field. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs, ensuring that new hires receive comprehensive training and support early in their careers. To enhance starting pay in Kansas, obtaining state licensure alongside optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can be highly beneficial. As these professionals navigate their initial years in the workforce, realistic salary growth during this phase typically varies by employer type and personal credentialing. New technologists could reasonably anticipate increases in compensation as they approach the median salary over their first three years, depending on their career trajectory and continuing education efforts.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Dodge City in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Dodge City?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Dodge City?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Dodge City?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Dodge City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dodge City 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