Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Duluth, MN: $82,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,821 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,301 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,526) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Duluth, MN, can expect an entry-level salary averaging around $82,821. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual pay of $99,526, it provides a solid foundation for career advancement. The growth trajectory for those starting out is promising; as experience is gained and responsibilities increase, salaries are projected to rise to approximately $88,225 at the 25th percentile, approaching the median as technicians navigate their first few years in the profession. Duluth presents a favorable market for new grads, particularly given the ongoing demand for skilled ultrasound technologists, bolstered by a growth rate of 4.93% annually.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
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 Duluth
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Duluth, MN typically start between $82,821 and $88,225 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,257 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,526 — 1.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 36.22% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($82,821/year) in Duluth. 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 Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $82,821 to $88,225, 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 Duluth, 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 Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth's below-average 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 Duluth is $45,257 ( 54.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,821, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,078.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,290
2025 BLS Actual
$78,930
2026 Current Est.
$82,821
2019–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,904 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,290 in 2019 to $78,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,904. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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 Duluth
Many healthcare employers in Duluth actively seek to hire recent graduates, especially larger hospital systems and established corporate practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These environments not only provide training but also a pathway for career advancement. For entry-level ultrasound technologists, obtaining state licensure is essential, and additional certifications from recognized professional bodies can significantly enhance starting pay. In the early years—typically the first one to three—incremental salary growth can be anticipated as competencies are developed and as technicians gain experience in a diverse range of clinical settings. By understanding the nuances of varying compensation structures based on the type of employer and geographic market factors, new graduates can strategically position themselves for solid salary increases in the Duluth area.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Duluth in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Duluth?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Duluth?
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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 Duluth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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