Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Apple Valley, MN: $68,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Apple Valley, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,982 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Apple Valley's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,032 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,790) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for those entering the field of ultrasound technology in Apple Valley, MN, are projected to be around $68,982 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level ultrasound technologists and is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $96,790. Despite this gap, new graduates can expect a steady growth trajectory in their earnings over the first few years. With strategic career choices and experience, entry-level professionals can move toward the $80,638 mark at the 25th percentile and possibly approach the median salary as they gain confidence and skill in their roles. Apple Valley presents a reasonable market for new graduates, especially considering the 4.93% annual growth rate anticipated for this profession.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Apple Valley
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 Apple Valley
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Apple Valley, MN typically start between $68,982 and $80,638 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,991 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,790 — 4.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 43.49% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($68,982/year) in Apple Valley. 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 Apple Valley
- 1Research the Apple Valley market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $68,982 to $80,638, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Apple Valley'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 Apple Valley is $58,991 ( 85.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,982, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,973.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,152
2025 BLS Actual
$65,741
2026 Current Est.
$68,982
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,152 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,141 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,805 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,383 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Apple Valley, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,152 in 2019 to $65,741 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,383. New graduates entering the Apple Valley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, several employers actively seek to hire newly graduated ultrasound technologists, including prominent hospital systems and established corporate group practices. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs that can help ease the transition for recent grads into full-time roles. To enhance starting ultrasound technologist pay in MN, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national professional bodies can significantly improve employment prospects. Given the variability in compensation influenced by employer type and geographic factors, early-career professionals should target employers known for robust training and development programs. Realistically, those in their first one to three years can expect a gradual increase in salary as they accumulate experience, sharpening their skills and establishing a solid foundation in this vital healthcare sector.
More salary data for Apple Valley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Apple Valley in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Apple Valley?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Apple Valley?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Apple Valley?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Minnesota?
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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 Apple Valley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley 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