Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Towson, MD: $76,445 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Towson, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,445 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Towson's local price level (BEA RPP 109.39% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,941 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,362) within a few years of clinical practice.

$76,445
Starting Salary
$36.76/hr
Starting Hourly
$76,445
Entry Level
$103,362
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Towson, MD — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Towson, MD ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those entering the field of ultrasound technology in Towson, Maryland, a starting ultrasound technologist salary is anticipated to be around $76,445 in 2026. Compared to the city's median annual salary of $103,362, entry-level salaries present a significant gap. New graduates can expect a growth trajectory that progresses from this entry-level pay to approximately $88,198 in the first quartile within a few years. This upward movement suggests a typical career path for recent graduates, as they build experience and proficiency. The healthcare market in Towson is poised to be favorable for new technologists, allowing individuals to establish their careers in a supportive environment with a 4.93% annual growth rate projected over the next five years.

About the Towson Market

Salary estimated from Maryland average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Towson

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$76,445/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$88,198/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$103,362/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$116,218/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Towson

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Towson. The median salary is $103,362, compared to the national median of $101,352.$68.8K$88.4K$108.0K$127.6K$147.1K$76.4K10th Pctl$88.2K25th Pctl$103.4KMedian$116.2K75th Pctl$140.1K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Towson, MD typically start between $76,445 and $88,198 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,691 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,3621.98% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Towson metro area.

Return on Investment

$32,000
Avg MD Program Cost
$76,445
Starting Salary
41.86%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Maryland of $32,000 represents just 41.86% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($76,445/year) in Towson. 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 Towson

  • 1Research the Towson market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $76,445 to $88,198, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Towson, 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 Towson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Towson's moderate 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 Towson is $63,691 ( 83.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,445, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,136.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$56,686

2025 BLS Actual

$72,853

2026 Current Est.

$76,445

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Towson (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Towson. Baseline $56,686 in 2025, projected to $80,213 by 2027.$52.0K$60.2K$68.4K$76.7K$84.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$56.7K$57.8K$64.1K$66.0K$68.4K$75.6K$72.9K$76.4K$80.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$56,686Actual
2020$57,782Actual
2021$64,066Actual
2022$65,989Actual
2023$68,406Actual
2024$75,594Actual
2025$72,853Actual
2026(current)$76,445Estimated
2027$80,213Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Towson, MD grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,686 in 2019 to $72,853 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,213. New graduates entering the Towson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Towson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Towson

In Towson, employers such as large hospital systems and corporate medical practices often welcome new graduates. These organizations typically offer structured training programs that ease the transition into the professional landscape. Having state licensure is essential for securing entry-level positions, and pursuing additional certifications can further enhance earning potential. New grads should target a career strategy that balances gaining hands-on experience with pursuing advanced certifications within their first three years. While entry-level pay may start below the city median, those actively seeking professional development and credentials can anticipate a promising increase in their salaries. Furthermore, those who strategically consider the type of employer and geographical variations may find themselves advancing quickly in this rewarding field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Towson in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Towson start at approximately $76,445/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $36.75/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Towson?

Most ultrasound technologists in Towson progress from the entry-level salary of $76,445 to the area median of $103,362 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $140,136 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Towson?

With a starting salary of $76,445/year in Towson and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Towson?

New medical imaging graduates in Towson typically start near the 10th percentile at $76,445/year, or approximately $36.75/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Maryland?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Maryland, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Maryland, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Maryland

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Towson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Towson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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