Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cambridge, MA: $74,389 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Cambridge, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,389 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cambridge's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,561 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,847) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $74,389 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $111,847 for the region, illustrating a substantial gap that entry-level professionals will need to bridge as they gain experience. Although the starting pay may seem modest, there is potential for significant growth as new technologists move toward the 25th percentile, which is estimated at $89,415 within the first few years. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 4.93%, Cambridge appears to be a favorable market for fresh graduates looking to build a stable and rewarding career in healthcare.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cambridge
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 Cambridge
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cambridge, MA typically start between $74,389 and $89,415 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,011 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,847 — 10.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Massachusetts of $42,000 represents just 56.46% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($74,389/year) in Cambridge. 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 Cambridge
- 1Research the Cambridge market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $74,389 to $89,415, 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cambridge'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 Cambridge is $76,011 ( 102.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,389, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,400.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,162
2025 BLS Actual
$70,894
2026 Current Est.
$74,389
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,162 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,228 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,343 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,566 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,469 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,894 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,389 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,056 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cambridge, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,162 in 2019 to $70,894 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,056. New graduates entering the Cambridge job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Several health employers in Cambridge actively recruit recent graduates as ultrasound technologists, including larger hospital networks and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These organizations often seek candidates who have obtained their state licensure and may offer higher starting salaries to those with advanced certifications recognized by the national certifying body. In the first one to three years, new ultrasound technologists can expect to see their salaries rise as they gain valuable experience and potentially transition to roles that offer specializations and increased responsibilities. Due to the variance in compensation based on employer type and geographical location, it's crucial for new grads to strategically evaluate opportunities while focusing on gaining additional credentials that can positively influence their pay trajectory in MA.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Cambridge in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Cambridge?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Cambridge?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Cambridge?
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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 Cambridge. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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