Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Austin, MN: $65,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Austin, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,477 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austin's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,474 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,423) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Austin, MN, can expect a starting salary around $65,477 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, it sets the stage for future earnings as entry-level professionals gain experience and advance in their careers. The median annual salary in Austin is projected to be $94,423, indicating that while initial pay for new grads may feel modest, there is significant room for growth as they move towards the median and beyond, with realistic earnings reaching approximately $77,287 after a few years in the field. The positive job growth for ultrasound technologists in Minnesota, with a projected increase of 4.93% annually, makes Austin a viable market for newcomers entering this healthcare sector.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austin
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 Austin
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Austin, MN typically start between $65,477 and $77,287 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,079 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,423 — 6.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 45.82% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($65,477/year) in Austin. 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 Austin
- 1Research the Austin market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $65,477 to $77,287, 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 Austin, 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 Austin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austin'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 Austin is $55,079 ( 84.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,477, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,556.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,554
2025 BLS Actual
$62,401
2026 Current Est.
$65,477
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,554 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,492 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,875 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,522 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,592 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,772 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,401 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,705 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Austin, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,554 in 2019 to $62,401 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,705. New graduates entering the Austin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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 Austin
When considering where to begin a career as a new grad ultrasound technologist in Austin, it is important to examine potential employers. Major hospitals and corporate group practices often seek to hire recent graduates and provide structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications can significantly enhance starting salaries in Minnesota, paving the way for higher wages as professionals advance. During the first three years, salaries can vary based on the type of employer and the individual's credential mix, with realistic salary growth providing opportunities for early-career technologists to achieve competitive pay. Strategies for success should include networking within the local healthcare community and seeking continued education to enhance both skills and earning potential as part of a long-term career path.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Austin in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Austin?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Austin?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Austin?
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 Austin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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