Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Ithaca, NY: $87,039 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Ithaca, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,039 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ithaca's local price level (BEA RPP 103.3 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,245 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,721) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career in medical imaging, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Ithaca, NY, presents a promising outlook for 2026. New graduates can expect starting pay around $87,039, which remains competitive when compared to the city's median salary of $107,721. This salary gap suggests that there is substantial potential for growth as new technologists gain experience and skills over their first few years. With a healthy growth rate of 4.93% projected over the next five years, new graduates should find that their salaries can rise steadily toward the median as they establish their careers, making Ithaca a relatively favorable market for early-career professionals entering the field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ithaca
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 Ithaca
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Ithaca, NY typically start between $87,039 and $107,721 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,421 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,721 — 6.28% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in New York of $42,000 represents just 48.25% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($87,039/year) in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca
- 1Research the Ithaca market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $87,039 to $107,721, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ithaca, 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 Ithaca for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ithaca'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 Ithaca is $33,421 ( 38.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,039, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,460.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,542
2025 BLS Actual
$82,950
2026 Current Est.
$87,039
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,039 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,330 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ithaca, NY grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,542 in 2019 to $82,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,330. New graduates entering the Ithaca job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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 Ithaca
In Ithaca, leading employers like large hospital systems and corporate group practices are known to actively recruit new ultrasound graduates. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs that help new hires transition successfully into their roles. To boost their starting ultrasound technologist pay in NY, it is beneficial for recent graduates to obtain state licensure and pursue optional advanced certifications from recognized professional organizations. New technologists should aim to develop a strategic career plan, focusing on skill enhancement and gaining diverse experience within their first three years. As compensation can vary based on employer type and geographic factors, realistic expectations for salary increases can range from slight jumps to more significant progress, depending on the specific pathway and additional certifications achieved.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Ithaca in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Ithaca?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Ithaca?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Ithaca?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in New York?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Ithaca. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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