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 107.3 — 7% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Keene
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 $104,192 — 2.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,917 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,017 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,258 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,685 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,540 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 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.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Keene in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Keene?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Keene?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Keene?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in New Hampshire?
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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 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).
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