Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Kenner, LA: $61,481 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Kenner, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,481 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenner's local price level (BEA RPP 90.3 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,085 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,310) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective ultrasound technologists entering the job market in Kenner, Louisiana, can expect starting salaries significantly lower than the local median for their profession, which stands at $84,310 in 2026. For new grads, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Kenner is projected to be around $61,481, leaving a considerable gap as they begin their careers. However, there is potential for financial growth within the first few years, as those starting in entry-level positions often see their salaries rise to $71,285 at the 25th percentile and aim to reach the median. With a growth trajectory of 4.93% annually over five years, Kenner offers a reasonable market for fresh graduates in this field, despite starting below the national average, where the 2026 median is $101,352.
About the Kenner Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenner
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 Kenner
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Kenner, LA typically start between $61,481 and $71,285 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,023 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,310 — 16.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Louisiana of $20,000 represents just 32.53% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,481/year) in Kenner. 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 Kenner
- 1Research the Kenner market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,481 to $71,285, 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 Kenner, 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 Kenner for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenner'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 Kenner is $55,023 ( 89.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,481, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,504.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,590
2025 BLS Actual
$58,592
2026 Current Est.
$61,481
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Kenner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,525 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,015 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,568 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,592 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,481 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,512 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kenner, LA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,590 in 2019 to $58,592 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,512. New graduates entering the Kenner job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenner 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 Kenner
In terms of employment opportunities, new grad ultrasound technologists in Kenner are typically hired by larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs tailored for recent graduates. To improve starting ultrasound technologist pay in LA, obtaining state licensure is essential, and achieving advanced certifications recognized by the national accrediting body further enhances earning potential. Early career strategies for ultrasound technologists should include seeking diverse experiences, as compensation can differ significantly based on employer type and geographic market. Realistically, during the initial years, techs can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience and credentials, positioning themselves well for opportunities that offer higher compensation down the line.
More salary data for Kenner, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Kenner in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Kenner?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Kenner?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Kenner?
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 Kenner. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenner 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