Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $65,495 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,495 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,082 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,241) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the ultrasound technologist profession in Great Falls, starting salaries are projected in 2026 to be approximately $65,495 per year. This figure represents the entry-level pay bracket in a market where the overall median salary is $97,241. While the gap between entry-level compensation and the median income may appear daunting, new graduates can expect a growth trajectory that moves them from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile over their first few years on the job, with earnings increasing to around $78,456. Given the market dynamics in Great Falls, it remains a promising environment for new graduates, especially considering the 4.93% annual growth rate for ultrasound salaries expected over the next five years.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Great Falls, MT typically start between $65,495 and $78,456 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,784 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,241 — 4.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Montana of $22,000 represents just 33.59% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($65,495/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $65,495 to $78,456, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls's moderate 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 Great Falls is $68,784 ( 105.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,495, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,279.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,567
2025 BLS Actual
$62,418
2026 Current Est.
$65,495
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,567 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,418 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,495 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,724 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,567 in 2019 to $62,418 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,724. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Newly minted ultrasound technologists looking to break into the Great Falls market will find opportunities primarily at large hospital systems and corporate healthcare practices, many of which have established training programs. For recent graduates in MT, earning state licensure is essential, and pursuing additional certifications recognized by the profession can distinguish candidates and enhance starting salaries. In the first one to three years, early-career professionals can anticipate a steady rise in their pay, usually influenced by the type of employer and the regional job market. New grads who actively seek mentorship and continuing education are likely to see their compensation reflect their increasing expertise, setting them up for success as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Great Falls in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Great Falls?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Great Falls?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Great Falls?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Montana?
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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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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