Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Needham, MA: $76,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Needham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,349 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Needham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,368 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,045) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new grad ultrasound technologists in Needham, Massachusetts, are projected to be around $76,349 in 2026. This figure represents an entry point significantly lower than the overall city median salary of $108,045, indicating a notable gap for early-career professionals. However, the growth potential is encouraging, as entry-level technologists can expect to advance from the lower P10 threshold through the P25 salary of $89,238 within their first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Needham remains a competitive market for emerging ultrasound technologists, providing ample opportunity for career advancement and increased earnings.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Needham
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 Needham
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Needham, MA typically start between $76,349 and $89,238 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,538 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,045 — 6.6% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Massachusetts of $42,000 represents just 55.01% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($76,349/year) in Needham. 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 Needham
- 1Research the Needham market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $76,349 to $89,238, 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 Needham, 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 Needham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Needham'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 Needham is $62,538 ( 81.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,349, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,887.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,615
2025 BLS Actual
$72,762
2026 Current Est.
$76,349
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,986 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,942 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,113 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Needham, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,615 in 2019 to $72,762 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,113. New graduates entering the Needham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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 Needham
For those seeking to establish their careers in this field, several employers in Needham seek to hire entry-level ultrasound technologists. Large hospital systems and corporate practices often have structured onboarding programs, making them ideal for new graduates. To enhance starting ultrasound technologist pay in MA, obtaining state licensure along with advanced certifications recognized by the national body can significantly improve earning potential. In the first one to three years, new professionals can expect salary growth as they gain experience, particularly if they work in hospitals or well-regarded medical practices. Market dynamics such as employer type and geographic location can cause variations in compensation; thus, being strategic when selecting a workplace is crucial for financial growth during these formative career years.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Needham in 2026?
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Is medical imaging school worth it in Needham?
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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 Needham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Needham 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