Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Eagan, MN: $71,415 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Eagan, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,415 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eagan's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,503 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,848) within a few years of clinical practice.

$71,415
Starting Salary
$34.33/hr
Starting Hourly
$71,415
Entry Level
$97,848
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Eagan, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Eagan, MN ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Entering the healthcare field as a new grad ultrasound technologist in Eagan, MN, presents promising financial opportunities. With a projected starting salary set at $71,415, recent graduates can expect to earn considerably less than the overall median salary for ultrasound technologists in the area, which stands at $97,848. This initial gap reflects the entry-level nature of the position but establishes a clear potential for growth, as wages are anticipated to rise to approximately $82,778 within the first few years, and approach the median as professionals gain experience. Overall, Eagan appears to be a supportive market for new graduates, as the region is likely to provide various entry-level roles that enable young professionals to build their skills while earning competitive pay.

About the Eagan Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Eagan

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$71,415/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$82,778/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$97,848/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$109,154/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eagan

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Eagan. The median salary is $97,848, compared to the national median of $101,352.$64.3K$82.8K$101.3K$119.8K$138.3K$71.4K10th Pctl$82.8K25th Pctl$97.8KMedian$109.2K75th Pctl$131.7K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Eagan, MN typically start between $71,415 and $82,778 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,306 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,8483.46% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Eagan metro area.

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg MN Program Cost
$71,415
Starting Salary
42.01%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 42.01% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,415/year) in Eagan. 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 Eagan

  • 1Research the Eagan market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,415 to $82,778, 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 Eagan, 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 Eagan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Eagan'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 Eagan is $60,306 ( 84.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,415, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,721.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$52,957

2025 BLS Actual

$68,060

2026 Current Est.

$71,415

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Eagan (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Eagan. Baseline $52,957 in 2025, projected to $74,936 by 2027.$48.6K$56.3K$63.9K$71.6K$79.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$53.0K$54.0K$59.9K$61.6K$63.9K$63.9K$68.1K$71.4K$74.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$52,957Actual
2020$53,980Actual
2021$59,851Actual
2022$61,647Actual
2023$63,905Actual
2024$63,939Actual
2025$68,060Actual
2026(current)$71,415Estimated
2027$74,936Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Eagan, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,957 in 2019 to $68,060 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,936. New graduates entering the Eagan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eagan metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Eagan

New graduates seeking employment as ultrasound technologists in Eagan will find ample opportunities with established hospital systems and group practices known for hiring entry-level staff. These employers often have structured onboarding processes that help new graduates transition smoothly into the workforce. To enhance starting pay in Minnesota, acquiring state licensure is essential, while pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized nationally can further elevate earning potential. Within the first 1-3 years of working, technologists can realistically expect salary growth as they build experience and expand their skill sets. The variation in compensation is shaped by the type of employer, geographic factors, and the credentials held. Thus, new professionals should actively pursue continued education and networking opportunities to maximize their growth trajectory in this evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Eagan in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Eagan start at approximately $71,415/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $34.33/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Eagan?

Most ultrasound technologists in Eagan progress from the entry-level salary of $71,415 to the area median of $97,848 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $131,721 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Eagan?

With a starting salary of $71,415/year in Eagan and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Eagan?

New medical imaging graduates in Eagan typically start near the 10th percentile at $71,415/year, or approximately $34.33/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Minnesota?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Minnesota, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Minnesota, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Minnesota

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Eagan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Eagan is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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