Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Plattsburgh, NY: $72,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Plattsburgh, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,317 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plattsburgh's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,396 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,700) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates aiming to embark on a career as an ultrasound technologist in Plattsburgh, NY, can expect a starting salary around $72,317 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $94,700, emphasizing the wage growth potential as one gains experience in the field. Over the first three to five years, early-career professionals can anticipate a progression through earnings, moving from the entry-level threshold up to an approximate $81,752 by the time they hit the 25th percentile. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, the market appears relatively favorable for new graduates looking to build their careers in Plattsburgh, allowing them to establish a solid financial foundation while honing their skills in a growing field.
About the Plattsburgh Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plattsburgh
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 Plattsburgh
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Plattsburgh, NY typically start between $72,317 and $81,752 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,178 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,700 — 6.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in New York of $42,000 represents just 58.08% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($72,317/year) in Plattsburgh. 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 Plattsburgh
- 1Research the Plattsburgh market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $72,317 to $81,752, 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 Plattsburgh, 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 Plattsburgh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Plattsburgh's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) 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 Plattsburgh is $46,178 ( 63.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,317, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,495.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,625
2025 BLS Actual
$68,919
2026 Current Est.
$72,317
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,625 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,712 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,919 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,882 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Plattsburgh, NY grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,625 in 2019 to $68,919 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,882. New graduates entering the Plattsburgh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh
In Plattsburgh, major hospitals and corporate group practices are the primary employers seeking new graduate ultrasound technologists. These institutions typically have structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce for recent graduates. To enhance starting pay in New York, obtaining state licensure is essential, along with considering advanced certifications recognized by professional bodies, which can elevate salary prospects. During the critical first few years, it’s beneficial for new technologists to focus on expanding their expertise and credentials, as pay can vary based on employer type and geographical factors. Realistically, new graduates can expect to see gradual salary growth during their initial years, provided they actively pursue further training and take advantage of advancement opportunities within the medical imaging field.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Plattsburgh in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Plattsburgh?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Plattsburgh?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Plattsburgh?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in New York?
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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 Plattsburgh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plattsburgh 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