Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Starkville, MS: $58,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Starkville, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,237 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Starkville's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,954 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,466) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Starkville, MS, is projected at $58,237 in 2026. This figure marks a significant initial baseline when considering the overall median salary for this profession in the city, which is estimated at $84,466, indicating a gap that entry-level professionals will need to work towards closing over time. As early-career technologists gain experience, they can expect to see their salaries rise progressively through the P25 threshold of $73,838 towards the city median within the first few years, representing a growth opportunity in this healthcare sector. New graduates in Starkville can find that the current market environment presents a favorable outlook, as the anticipated annual growth rate of 4.93% suggests a steady demand for professionals in this field.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Starkville
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 Starkville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Starkville, MS typically start between $58,237 and $73,838 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,688 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,466 — 16.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Mississippi of $16,000 represents just 27.47% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($58,237/year) in Starkville. 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 Starkville
- 1Research the Starkville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $58,237 to $73,838, 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 Starkville, 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 Starkville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Starkville'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 Starkville is $48,688 ( 83.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,237, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,925.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,185
2025 BLS Actual
$55,501
2026 Current Est.
$58,237
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,185 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,019 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,807 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,836 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,108 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Starkville, MS grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,185 in 2019 to $55,501 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,108. New graduates entering the Starkville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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 Starkville
In Starkville, employment opportunities for new graduates can typically be found within large hospital systems and corporate group practices that value structured onboarding programs. These institutions are known to hire new graduates, offering comprehensive training and support. Enhancing credentials is crucial; in Mississippi, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications related to ultrasound technology can lead to improved starting pay. For early-career ultrasound technologists, developing a career strategy that includes networking within local healthcare facilities and seeking continued education will be beneficial. Initial salaries can vary widely based on the type of employer, geographic location, and professional credentials. In Starkville, it is realistic to expect gradual salary growth as one gains experience and expertise within the first three years of employment, setting the stage for upward mobility in earnings and career advancement.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Starkville in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Starkville?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Starkville?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Starkville?
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 Starkville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Starkville 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