Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Marlborough, MA: $77,685 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Marlborough, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,685 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marlborough's local price level (BEA RPP 108.59% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,599 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,557) within a few years of clinical practice.

$77,685
Starting Salary
$37.34/hr
Starting Hourly
$77,685
Entry Level
$108,557
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Marlborough, Massachusetts, recent graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology can expect a starting salary around $77,685 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level pay for new ultrasound technologists, which is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $108,557. However, fresh graduates should consider this gap as a component of their growth trajectory; with experience and skill development, salaries can rise to $90,295 at the 25th percentile and even reach the median as they progress in their careers. Marlborough currently presents a positive job market for new graduates in this profession, supported by a competitive hiring environment that offers potential pathways for salary increases over the initial years.

About the Marlborough Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Marlborough

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$77,685/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$90,295/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$108,557/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$116,571/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marlborough

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Marlborough. The median salary is $108,557, compared to the national median of $101,352.$69.9K$88.3K$106.8K$125.2K$143.6K$77.7K10th Pctl$90.3K25th Pctl$108.6KMedian$116.6K75th Pctl$136.8K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Marlborough, MA typically start between $77,685 and $90,295 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,098 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,5577.11% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$42,000
Avg MA Program Cost
$77,685
Starting Salary
54.06%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Massachusetts of $42,000 represents just 54.06% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($77,685/year) in Marlborough. 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 Marlborough

  • 1Research the Marlborough market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $77,685 to $90,295, 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 Marlborough, 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 Marlborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Marlborough'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 Marlborough is $59,098 ( 76.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,685, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,783.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$57,606

2025 BLS Actual

$74,035

2026 Current Est.

$77,685

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Marlborough (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 Marlborough. Baseline $57,606 in 2025, projected to $81,515 by 2027.$52.7K$61.3K$70.0K$78.6K$87.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.6K$58.7K$65.1K$67.1K$69.5K$82.3K$74.0K$77.7K$81.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$57,606Actual
2020$58,719Actual
2021$65,105Actual
2022$67,059Actual
2023$69,516Actual
2024$82,325Actual
2025$74,035Actual
2026(current)$77,685Estimated
2027$81,515Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Marlborough, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,606 in 2019 to $74,035 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,515. New graduates entering the Marlborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marlborough 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 Marlborough

For those new to the field, several employers in Marlborough actively recruit entry-level ultrasound technologists, particularly large hospital systems and established corporate practices that provide structured onboarding programs. These employers value industry credentials, including state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body, which can lead to enhanced pay negotiations. During the first three years, new graduates can expect varying compensation growth based on employer type and their evolving credentials. Since salaries can differ significantly across organizations, it is advisable for new graduates to prioritize employers known for supporting professional development. Realistically, early-career technologists should anticipate steady salary advancement as they gain experience, with compensation trends aligning with the broader market's annual growth rate of approximately 4.93% over the next few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Marlborough start at approximately $77,685/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 $37.35/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 Marlborough?

Most ultrasound technologists in Marlborough progress from the entry-level salary of $77,685 to the area median of $108,557 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $136,783 (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 Marlborough?

With a starting salary of $77,685/year in Marlborough 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 Marlborough?

New medical imaging graduates in Marlborough typically start near the 10th percentile at $77,685/year, or approximately $37.35/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 Massachusetts?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Marlborough 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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