Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Houma, LA: $60,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Houma, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,524 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Houma's local price level (BEA RPP 85.1 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,119 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,542) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Houma, Louisiana is projected to start around $60,524, which serves as a baseline for recent graduates entering the field. While this salary is significantly lower than the median annual salary in the city of $84,542, there’s a clear growth trajectory for new professionals. Over the first three to five years of experience, salaries can realistically climb to around $70,429 before reaching the median. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Houma can be considered a decent market for new graduates, providing opportunities for salary advancement as they gain experience and skills.
Career Earnings Timeline in Houma
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 Houma
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Houma, LA typically start between $60,524 and $70,429 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,932 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,542 — 16.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Louisiana of $20,000 represents just 33.04% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,524/year) in Houma. 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 Houma
- 1Research the Houma market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,524 to $70,429, 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 LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Houma, 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 Houma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Houma'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 Houma is $37,932 ( 62.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,524, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,456.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,860
2025 BLS Actual
$57,680
2026 Current Est.
$60,524
2019–2027 Growth
+24.9%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,507 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Houma, LA grew 13.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,860 in 2019 to $57,680 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,507. New graduates entering the Houma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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 Houma
In Houma, new graduates can find employment opportunities with large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which typically have structured onboarding programs for entry-level ultrasound technologists. To enhance starting pay in Louisiana, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can be beneficial. Entry-level pay varies based on employer type and local market conditions, impacting expected salary growth during the first few years. Typically, professionals may experience steady increases in their salaries year over year as they accumulate experience and may eventually aim to surpass the local median. For those entering the field, strategically seeking positions that offer these educational incentives and training can significantly influence early career outcomes.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Houma in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Houma?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Houma?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Houma?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Louisiana?
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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 Houma. 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