Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Worcester, MA: $102,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Worcester, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $102,632 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Worcester's local price level (BEA RPP 102.5 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,106 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,285) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Worcester, Massachusetts can expect an entry-level ultrasound technologist salary of approximately $102,632 in 2026. This starting pay is slightly below the city’s median salary of $109,285, indicating that while new technologists are beginning their careers at a competitive rate, there remains potential for significant growth. As these professionals gain experience, their salaries are projected to increase through various tiers—from the initial starting salary to around $104,311 within the first few years of employment, eventually approaching the city’s median. Given the positive growth trajectory of 4.93% annually in this sector, Worcester presents a promising market for recent graduates looking to establish themselves in the healthcare field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Worcester
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 Worcester
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Worcester, MA typically start between $102,632 and $104,311 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,977 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,285 — 7.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Massachusetts of $42,000 represents just 40.92% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($102,632/year) in Worcester. 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 Worcester
- 1Research the Worcester market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $102,632 to $104,311, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Worcester'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 Worcester is $36,977 ( 36.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $102,632, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,609.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,560
2025 BLS Actual
$97,810
2026 Current Est.
$102,632
2019–2027 Growth
+72.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,576 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,692 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Worcester, MA grew 56.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,560 in 2019 to $97,810 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $107,692. New graduates entering the Worcester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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 Worcester
In Worcester, various healthcare employers, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively recruit new graduates for ultrasound technologist roles. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs that can help newcomers transition smoothly into their positions. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further distinguish candidates in the job market. As new ultrasound technologists develop their skills and gain valuable experience within the first three years, salary expectations may rise, reflecting the industry’s compensation variability based on employer type, geographic market, and credential mix. As they build their professional reputations, new grads can reasonably aim for substantial raises as they move toward the region's median annual income in their early career.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Worcester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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