Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Faribault, MN: $67,584 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,584 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,613 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,304) within a few years of clinical practice.

$67,584
Starting Salary
$32.50/hr
Starting Hourly
$67,584
Entry Level
$94,304
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For those beginning their careers in ultrasound technology in Faribault, Minnesota, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $67,584 in 2026. This figure is quite a bit lower than the city's median annual salary of $94,304, highlighting a noticeable gap for entry-level positions. However, new graduates can expect growth in their earnings as they gain experience, with potential increases leading to around $78,188 by the 25th percentile and approaching the median within the first three to five years. Given the strong demand in the healthcare field, Faribault appears to be a favorable market for emerging professionals, providing ample opportunities for early-career technologists to develop their skills.

About the Faribault Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$67,584/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$78,188/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$94,304/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$103,768/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Faribault. The median salary is $94,304, compared to the national median of $101,352.$60.8K$77.6K$94.3K$111.1K$127.8K$67.6K10th Pctl$78.2K25th Pctl$94.3KMedian$103.8K75th Pctl$121.7K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Faribault, MN typically start between $67,584 and $78,188 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,159 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,3046.95% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg MN Program Cost
$67,584
Starting Salary
44.39%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 44.39% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($67,584/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault

  • 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $67,584 to $78,188, 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 Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $54,159 ( 80.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,584, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,743.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$50,116

2025 BLS Actual

$64,409

2026 Current Est.

$67,584

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Faribault (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 Faribault. Baseline $50,116 in 2025, projected to $70,916 by 2027.$46.0K$53.2K$60.5K$67.8K$75.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$50.1K$51.1K$56.6K$58.3K$60.5K$60.7K$64.4K$67.6K$70.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$50,116Actual
2020$51,085Actual
2021$56,640Actual
2022$58,340Actual
2023$60,477Actual
2024$60,660Actual
2025$64,409Actual
2026(current)$67,584Estimated
2027$70,916Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,116 in 2019 to $64,409 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,916. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault

In Faribault, new graduates seeking employment as ultrasound technologists will find openings primarily within large hospital systems and corporate group practices that are often willing to hire recent graduates. These employers typically offer structured onboarding programs, which can help ease the transition into the workforce. In Minnesota, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing additional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body can further enhance starting salaries. For early-career professionals in their first one to three years, salary progression can vary, often influenced by employer type, geographic location, and credentialing. While initial compensation may be modest, new grads should anticipate upward mobility within this market, aligning their expectations with the projected salary trajectory over the early years of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Faribault start at approximately $67,584/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 $32.49/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 Faribault?

Most ultrasound technologists in Faribault progress from the entry-level salary of $67,584 to the area median of $94,304 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $121,743 (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 Faribault?

With a starting salary of $67,584/year in Faribault 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 Faribault?

New medical imaging graduates in Faribault typically start near the 10th percentile at $67,584/year, or approximately $32.49/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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Faribault 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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