Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in North Bergen, NJ: $80,742 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the North Bergen, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,742 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Bergen's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,089 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,228) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an ultrasound technologist in North Bergen, NJ, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected at $80,742 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions, compared to the median salary of $113,228 for all ultrasound technologists in the region. New graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory in their earnings that may take them from this starting point ($80,742) to approximately $91,887 within the first few years as they gain experience. The earnings potential in North Bergen makes it a favorable market for fresh graduates, as it offers competitive starting salaries that are above the national average, which is $101,352 for 2026.
About the North Bergen Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Bergen
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 North Bergen
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in North Bergen, NJ typically start between $80,742 and $91,887 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,019 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,228 — 11.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in New Jersey of $36,000 represents just 44.59% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($80,742/year) in North Bergen. 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 North Bergen
- 1Research the North Bergen market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $80,742 to $91,887, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in North Bergen, 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 North Bergen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in North Bergen's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in North Bergen is $69,019 ( 85.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,742, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,761.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,872
2025 BLS Actual
$76,948
2026 Current Est.
$80,742
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in North Bergen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,872 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,667 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,948 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,742 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,722 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in North Bergen, NJ grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,872 in 2019 to $76,948 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,722. New graduates entering the North Bergen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Bergen 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 North Bergen
In North Bergen, various healthcare employers, including large hospital systems and established corporate practices, actively seek new graduates to fill ultrasound technologist roles. These employers often provide structured onboarding programs that ease the transition into the workforce. Since the state requires licensure for practice, procuring this credential is essential for entry-level positions, and pursuing additional advanced certifications can further enhance starting pay in NJ. Early-career professionals can expect incremental salary increases within their first three years, particularly if they align themselves with reputable institutions that offer competitive compensation packages. Variations in pay often depend on the specific healthcare settings and the level of credentialing among staff, which suggests that a strategic focus on continuing education and skill development can substantially impact earnings during these formative years in the field.
More salary data for North Bergen, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in North Bergen in 2026?
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Is medical imaging school worth it in North Bergen?
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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 North Bergen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Bergen 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