Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Fridley, MN: $68,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Fridley, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,934 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fridley's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,984 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,687) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Fridley, Minnesota offers promising opportunities for entry-level ultrasound technologists, with a starting salary estimated at $68,934 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $94,687, highlighting a gap that new graduates can expect to navigate in their early careers. Over the first three to five years, many can anticipate gradual increases as they move from the entry-level pay to the 25th percentile salary of $79,921, fostering a progressive career path. Fridley’s competitive market is currently favorable for newcomers in the healthcare field, a factor that coupled with the city’s cost of living index of 98.5—below the national average—can lead to better job satisfaction and financial viability for those entering the profession.
About the Fridley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fridley
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 Fridley
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Fridley, MN typically start between $68,934 and $79,921 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,809 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,687 — 6.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 43.52% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($68,934/year) in Fridley. 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 Fridley
- 1Research the Fridley market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $68,934 to $79,921, 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 Fridley, 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 Fridley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fridley'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 Fridley is $55,809 ( 80.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,934, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,743.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,117
2025 BLS Actual
$65,695
2026 Current Est.
$68,934
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Fridley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,117 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,771 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,505 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,685 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,779 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,332 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fridley, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,117 in 2019 to $65,695 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,332. New graduates entering the Fridley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fridley 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 Fridley
A range of employers in Fridley, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively seek to hire new graduate ultrasound technologists, often offering structured onboarding programs. These employers understand the importance of investing in new talent and typically provide a supportive environment for skill development. Credentials such as state licensure and optional advanced certifications can enhance a new technologist's starting pay in Minnesota, allowing them to position themselves competitively within the job market. Career strategy during the first few years should focus on gaining diverse clinical experience, which can influence salary growth significantly. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, those entering the ultrasound profession can look forward to realistic salary increases within their initial years, provided they build their skills and professional qualifications methodically.
More salary data for Fridley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Fridley in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Fridley?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Fridley?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Fridley?
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 Fridley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fridley 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