Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pearl, MS: $61,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Pearl, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearl's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,988 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,036) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
When considering an entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Pearl, Mississippi, new graduates can anticipate starting pay around $61,694 in 2026. This initial compensation falls noticeably below the city median annual salary of $86,036, highlighting a potential gap that entry-level professionals will experience as they start their careers. However, in just a few years, they can expect a growth trajectory that moves from that starting point to approximately $71,924 at the 25th percentile and potentially beyond the median as they gain experience. Pearl presents a fairly strong job market for new grads, as the demand for healthcare professionals remains steady, offering opportunities for advancement and salary increases within the ultrasound field.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pearl
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 Pearl
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pearl, MS typically start between $61,694 and $71,924 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,500 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,036 — 15.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 25.93% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,694/year) in Pearl. 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 Pearl
- 1Research the Pearl market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,694 to $71,924, 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 Pearl, 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 Pearl for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pearl'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 Pearl is $47,500 ( 76.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,194.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,748
2025 BLS Actual
$58,795
2026 Current Est.
$61,694
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,748 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,632 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,704 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,973 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,795 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,735 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pearl, MS grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,748 in 2019 to $58,795 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,735. New graduates entering the Pearl job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl 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 Pearl
Job opportunities for new grad ultrasound technologists in Pearl primarily come from larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that typically have structured onboarding plans designed specifically for recent graduates. To enhance starting salaries and marketability, it's advisable for entry-level professionals to obtain state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications endorsed by the profession's national body. In the first three years, compensation can vary widely depending on employer type, geographic market, and certification. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 4.93%, those entering the field can expect gradual salary increases as they build expertise and gain valuable clinical experience. Overall, the career strategy should focus on skill development and networking to tap into the best available opportunities in Pearl, MS.
More salary data for Pearl, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Pearl in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Pearl?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Pearl?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Pearl?
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 Pearl. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pearl 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