Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Jackson, MS: $66,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,190 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,331 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,521) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Jackson, MS can expect starting salaries around $66,190 annually. This figure, while reflective of entry-level compensation, falls below the city’s median salary of $84,521. For early-career professionals, the salary trajectory shows potential growth as new ultrasound technologists gain experience. Within the first three to five years, transitioning from the lower 10th percentile to the 25th percentile could result in earnings of approximately $76,389, indicating a progressive increase that could set the foundation for better financial stability in this growing field. Given the projected growth rate of 4.93%, Jackson presents a favorable job market for new ultrasound technologists looking for their first time position in 2026.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Jackson, MS typically start between $66,190 and $76,389 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,491 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,521 — 16.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 24.17% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($66,190/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $66,190 to $76,389, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $37,491 ( 56.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,190, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,681.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,030
2025 BLS Actual
$63,080
2026 Current Est.
$66,190
2019–2027 Growth
+54.2%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,453 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 40.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,030 in 2019 to $63,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,453. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In Jackson, hospitals and corporate group practices are the primary employers that tend to hire newly licensed ultrasound technologists, often providing structured onboarding programs. Pursuing state licensure is essential, but obtaining additional certifications recognized by professional bodies can further enhance starting pay and career trajectory. Early in your career, understanding that compensation may vary significantly based on employer type, location, and the credentials you acquire is crucial. New ultrasound technologists may experience realistic salary growth within their first three years, with opportunities to reach higher percentiles as they accumulate experience and specialize. Therefore, having a strategic approach to professional development and networking can be advantageous in navigating the early stages of your career while maximizing the potential for salary increases in a competitive job market like Jackson, MS.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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