Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $65,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,990 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,303 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,670) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates embarking on a career as an ultrasound technologist in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the entry-level pathway offers a starting salary around $65,990 in 2026. This compensation figure presents a notable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $80,670. As new technologists gain experience, there is potential for salary growth, with early-career earnings expected to rise to approximately $69,348 within a few years. The Hattiesburg job market, which is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%, appears favorable for recent graduates ready to take their first steps into the workforce. Those entering the field can expect to climb from starting pay towards the median within three to five years, making this a hopeful environment for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $65,990 and $69,348 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,489 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,670 — 20.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 24.25% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($65,990/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $65,990 to $69,348, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg's below-average 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 Hattiesburg is $18,489 ( 28.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,990, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,479.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,934
2025 BLS Actual
$62,890
2026 Current Est.
$65,990
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,244 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,934 in 2019 to $62,890 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,244. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Several employers in Hattiesburg actively hire new grad ultrasound technologists, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs. For those looking to enhance their marketability, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized nationally can significantly boost starting ultrasound technologist pay in MS. In the first few years of practice, new professionals should expect variations in salary that reflect the type of employer they work for and the credentials they hold. Many entries into this profession can see incremental increases in their salaries during the initial years, with growth spurred by experience and additional qualifications. Therefore, outpacing the entry-level figures is achievable through focused career strategies and continuous skills enhancement.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Hattiesburg in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Hattiesburg?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Hattiesburg?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Hattiesburg?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Mississippi?
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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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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