Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Barnstable, MA: $73,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Barnstable, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,744 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barnstable's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,967 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,894) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Entering the field as an ultrasound technologist in Barnstable, Massachusetts, new graduates can expect to begin their careers with a starting salary of approximately $73,744 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, which has a median annual salary of $106,894 for all ultrasound technologists in the area. This gap indicates that while entry-level positions may be financially modest compared to the overall median, there is significant room for advancement as experience increases. Over the first three to five years of their careers, new ultrasound technologists can anticipate gradual salary increases, moving towards the $93,393 figure at the 25th percentile and possibly reaching the median as they develop their skills and establish their reputation in the field. Currently, Barnstable presents a favorable job market for new graduates, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.93% in the sector, indicating ongoing demand for professionals.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barnstable
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 Barnstable
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Barnstable, MA typically start between $73,744 and $93,393 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,756 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,894 — 5.47% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Massachusetts of $42,000 represents just 56.95% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($73,744/year) in Barnstable. 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 Barnstable
- 1Research the Barnstable market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $73,744 to $93,393, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Barnstable, 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 Barnstable for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barnstable'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 Barnstable is $61,756 ( 83.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,744, experienced hygienists can earn up to $135,500.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,683
2025 BLS Actual
$70,279
2026 Current Est.
$73,744
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,683 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,989 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,279 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,379 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Barnstable, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,683 in 2019 to $70,279 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,379. New graduates entering the Barnstable job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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 Barnstable
Ultra-sound technologists starting their careers in Barnstable typically find employment with large hospital systems and corporate practices that offer structured onboarding programs, making them ideal environments for new graduates. Credentials such as state licensure are essential, while pursuing additional certifications recognized by national professional organizations can further enhance earning potential. Early in their careers, ultrasound technologists should strategically seek opportunities that promise varied experiences, as compensation can vary significantly based on employer type and geographic location. In their first few years, entry-level professionals in this field can realistically expect salary growth as they gain experience and potentially explore advancements in specialization. By strategically pursuing roles that align with their long-term career goals, new grad ultrasound technologists can navigate the initial phase of their careers effectively and work towards achieving salaries that meet or exceed the local median.
More salary data for Barnstable, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Barnstable in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Barnstable?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Barnstable?
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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 Barnstable. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barnstable 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