Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Woodbury, MN: $71,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Woodbury, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,129 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodbury's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,212 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,146) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Woodbury, Minnesota, the expected starting salary is around $71,129. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median of $101,146, it's essential for early-career professionals to recognize the potential for salary growth within their first few years. New grads can reasonably expect to move towards the P25 salary mark of $83,549 as they gain experience, typically within a span of 3-5 years. With a projected growth rate of 4.93%, the job market for ultrasound technologists in Woodbury presents favorable conditions for recent graduates, making it a viable option for launching a healthcare career in the region.
About the Woodbury Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodbury
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 Woodbury
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Woodbury, MN typically start between $71,129 and $83,549 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,406 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,146 — 0.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 42.18% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,129/year) in Woodbury. 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 Woodbury
- 1Research the Woodbury market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,129 to $83,549, 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 Woodbury, 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 Woodbury for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodbury'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 Woodbury is $61,406 ( 86.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,129, experienced hygienists can earn up to $132,535.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,744
2025 BLS Actual
$67,787
2026 Current Est.
$71,129
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Woodbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,744 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,636 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Woodbury, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,744 in 2019 to $67,787 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,636. New graduates entering the Woodbury job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodbury 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 Woodbury
Within the Woodbury area, large hospital systems and corporate group practices often hire entry-level ultrasound technologists, providing structured onboarding that benefits fresh graduates. This pathway not only facilitates a smoother transition into professional roles but also exposes new hires to a comprehensive support network. To enhance starting pay in Minnesota, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can be advantageous. In the first few years on the job, technologists should be aware that salaries can vary widely depending on the type of employer and regional factors, but realistic expectations for salary advancement can lead to growth as experience and credentials accumulate. Focusing on networking and professional development can significantly improve earning potential and career trajectory in this field.
More salary data for Woodbury, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Woodbury in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Woodbury?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Woodbury?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Woodbury?
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 Woodbury. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodbury 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