Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Jacksonville, NC: $60,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Jacksonville, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,753 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,907 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,059) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective ultrasound technologists entering the job market in Jacksonville, North Carolina, can expect to see starting salaries around $60,753 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, contrasting with the city’s median annual earnings of $88,059 for ultrasound technologists. The initial pay might feel modest, but new graduates should have realistic growth expectations, as progression from this entry-level salary through the first five years could see earnings rise to approximately $71,860 at the 25th percentile, possibly reaching closer to the median as experience is gained. Given Jacksonville's steady demand for healthcare professionals, this could be an opportune moment for new grads to establish their careers in medical imaging.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Jacksonville, NC typically start between $60,753 and $71,860 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,394 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,059 — 13.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in North Carolina of $20,000 represents just 32.92% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,753/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,753 to $71,860, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville's below-average 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 Jacksonville is $53,394 ( 87.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,753, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,147.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,051
2025 BLS Actual
$57,899
2026 Current Est.
$60,753
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,921 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,444 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,286 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,749 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, NC grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,051 in 2019 to $57,899 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,749. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, major healthcare institutions and corporate practices are among the key employers that actively recruit new graduates. These facilities often have structured onboarding programs designed to support entry-level professionals in their transition to full-fledged technologists. Gaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can be a viable strategy for boosting starting pay in North Carolina. For early-career professionals, the first few years in the field can offer a growth trajectory where earnings may increase steadily, especially as they gain additional competencies and experience. However, it's important to recognize that compensation can vary significantly based on the type of employer and geographical factors. New graduates should remain proactive in seeking opportunities that offer both mentorship and further educational pathways.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Jacksonville in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Jacksonville?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Jacksonville?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Jacksonville?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in North Carolina?
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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 Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jacksonville 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