Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in St. Paul, MN: $74,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the St. Paul, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,349 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Paul's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,481 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,585) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as an ultrasound technologist in St. Paul, Minnesota, the starting pay offers a promising foundation. In 2026, newly graduated professionals can anticipate earning approximately $74,349 annually. While this figure is below the city's median annual salary of $107,585, the long-term outlook is quite encouraging. Over the first few years of practice, salaries can progress significantly. With experience, it’s realistic for entry-level technologists to see their earnings rise toward the 25th percentile mark of around $88,812, leading closer to the median in just a few years. The job market in St. Paul currently appears favorable for new graduates, with the growing demand for skilled ultrasound technologists supporting both initial placement and salary growth.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Paul
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 St. Paul
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in St. Paul, MN typically start between $74,349 and $88,812 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,823 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,585 — 6.15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 40.35% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($74,349/year) in St. Paul. 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 St. Paul
- 1Research the St. Paul market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $74,349 to $88,812, 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 St. Paul, 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 St. Paul for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Paul'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 St. Paul is $81,823 ( 110.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,349, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,172.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,132
2025 BLS Actual
$70,856
2026 Current Est.
$74,349
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,132 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,198 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,216 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,856 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,015 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in St. Paul, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,132 in 2019 to $70,856 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,015. New graduates entering the St. Paul job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Employers in St. Paul often look to large hospital systems and corporate group practices when hiring entry-level ultrasound technologists. These organizations typically have structured onboarding programs designed to integrate new grads effectively into their teams. In terms of advancing pay, obtaining state licensure is essential, and additional certifications recognized by the national body can further enhance earning potential. In the first three years of their careers, ultrasound technologists can experience varied salary trajectories based on the type of employer and the credentials they hold. New professionals should expect gradual growth, with realistic salary increases leading them towards the average pay reflected in broader industry trends. Ultimately, the outlook for new grad ultrasound technologist pay in MN is encouraging, especially for those proactively pursuing additional qualifications and professional development.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 St. Paul. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Paul 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