Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Keene, NH: $76,756 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Keene, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,756 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keene's local price level (BEA RPP 107.37% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,534 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,192) within a few years of clinical practice.

$76,756
Starting Salary
$36.90/hr
Starting Hourly
$76,756
Entry Level
$104,192
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Keene, New Hampshire can expect a starting salary around $76,756 in 2026, a figure that sets the foundation for their career. This starting salary is below the city's median of $104,192, indicating a significant gap that new graduates will need to consider as they begin their careers. However, with experience and skill development, salaries can increase considerably, with entry-level professionals gradually moving from the P10 to the P25 level, which is projected at $88,234. Given the current market dynamics, Keene presents a promising environment for new graduates; its competitive salaries and a projected growth rate of 4.93% annually suggest that opportunities will expand, making it an inviting place for those just starting out.

About the Keene Market

Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Keene

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$76,756/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$88,234/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$104,192/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$112,380/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Keene

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Keene. The median salary is $104,192, compared to the national median of $101,352.$69.1K$86.3K$103.5K$120.7K$137.9K$76.8K10th Pctl$88.2K25th Pctl$104.2KMedian$112.4K75th Pctl$131.3K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Keene, NH typically start between $76,756 and $88,234 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,588 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,1922.8% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$35,000
Avg NH Program Cost
$76,756
Starting Salary
45.60%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in New Hampshire of $35,000 represents just 45.60% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($76,756/year) in Keene. 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 Keene

  • 1Research the Keene market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $76,756 to $88,234, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Keene, 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 Keene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Keene'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 Keene is $54,588 ( 71.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,756, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,344.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$56,917

2025 BLS Actual

$73,150

2026 Current Est.

$76,756

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Keene (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 Keene. Baseline $56,917 in 2025, projected to $80,540 by 2027.$52.2K$60.5K$68.7K$77.0K$85.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$56.9K$58.0K$64.3K$66.3K$68.7K$70.4K$73.2K$76.8K$80.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$56,917Actual
2020$58,017Actual
2021$64,327Actual
2022$66,258Actual
2023$68,685Actual
2024$70,396Actual
2025$73,150Actual
2026(current)$76,756Estimated
2027$80,540Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Keene, NH grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,917 in 2019 to $73,150 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,540. New graduates entering the Keene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene

In Keene, several employers actively seek to hire fresh talent into the ultrasound technologist role, particularly large hospital systems and group practices that offer structured onboarding processes. To maximize earning potential, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications can further enhance starting pay in NH. Within the first three years, there are realistic strategies for growth, such as gaining diverse experience through varied clinical settings or focusing on specialized areas of ultrasound. In this region, compensation is influenced by the type of employer and the mix of credentials held by the technologist. With dedication, it is feasible for new graduates to see significant salary increases as they progress through their initial years, transitioning toward a more competitive pay level reflective of the broader state averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Keene in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Keene start at approximately $76,756/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 $36.90/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 Keene?

Most ultrasound technologists in Keene progress from the entry-level salary of $76,756 to the area median of $104,192 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $131,344 (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 Keene?

With a starting salary of $76,756/year in Keene 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 Keene?

New medical imaging graduates in Keene typically start near the 10th percentile at $76,756/year, or approximately $36.90/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 New Hampshire?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Keene 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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