Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in St. Peters, MO: $66,177 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the St. Peters, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,177 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Peters's local price level (BEA RPP 89.610% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,858 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,121) within a few years of clinical practice.

$66,177
Starting Salary
$31.81/hr
Starting Hourly
$66,177
Entry Level
$94,121
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in St. Peters, MO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
St. Peters, MO ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in St. Peters, MO, is projected to start at around $66,177, which is situated considerably below the city’s median salary of $94,121. This gap reveals the usual financial trajectory new graduates can expect as they gain experience and skill. Over the first three to five years, early-career professionals typically see wages increase, eventually reaching around $77,737 by the 25th percentile and potentially close to the median as they establish themselves in the field. For new graduates in St. Peters, the current market conditions suggest a promising environment for securing employment, particularly given the demand for skilled ultrasound technologists within the healthcare system.

About the St. Peters Market

Salary estimated from Missouri average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in St. Peters

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$66,177/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$77,737/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$94,121/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$105,168/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Peters

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in St. Peters. The median salary is $94,121, compared to the national median of $101,352.$59.6K$77.1K$94.6K$112.2K$129.7K$66.2K10th Pctl$77.7K25th Pctl$94.1KMedian$105.2K75th Pctl$123.6K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in St. Peters, MO typically start between $66,177 and $77,737 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,379 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,1217.13% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the St. Peters metro area.

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg MO Program Cost
$66,177
Starting Salary
33.24%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Missouri of $22,000 represents just 33.24% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($66,177/year) in St. Peters. 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 St. Peters

  • 1Research the St. Peters market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $66,177 to $77,737, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5St. Peters'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 St. Peters is $57,379 ( 86.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,177, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,556.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$49,073

2025 BLS Actual

$63,068

2026 Current Est.

$66,177

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in St. Peters (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in St. Peters. Baseline $49,073 in 2025, projected to $69,440 by 2027.$44.6K$51.9K$59.1K$66.3K$73.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$49.1K$50.0K$55.5K$57.1K$59.2K$48.8K$63.1K$66.2K$69.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$49,073Actual
2020$50,021Actual
2021$55,461Actual
2022$57,126Actual
2023$59,218Actual
2024$48,756Actual
2025$63,068Actual
2026(current)$66,177Estimated
2027$69,440Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in St. Peters, MO grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,073 in 2019 to $63,068 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,440. New graduates entering the St. Peters job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Peters metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 St. Peters

Employers in St. Peters that are actively seeking newly graduated ultrasound technologists often include local hospitals and corporate group practices. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding programs that are advantageous for graduates, easing the transition into the workforce. To boost their entry-level pay, new technologists in Missouri can pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body. Such credentials can significantly enhance a candidate's qualifications and marketability. In the first few years, it’s realistic for these professionals to anticipate moderate salary increases; however, compensation can diverge based on employer type, geographic location, and the mix of certifications held. As the industry continues to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%, new graduates can look forward to gradual advancements in their income as they gain experience and expertise in ultrasound technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in St. Peters in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in St. Peters start at approximately $66,177/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $31.82/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in St. Peters?

Most ultrasound technologists in St. Peters progress from the entry-level salary of $66,177 to the area median of $94,121 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $123,556 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in St. Peters?

With a starting salary of $66,177/year in St. Peters and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in St. Peters?

New medical imaging graduates in St. Peters typically start near the 10th percentile at $66,177/year, or approximately $31.82/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Missouri?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Missouri, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Missouri, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Missouri

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 St. Peters. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for St. Peters is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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