Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Matthews, NC: $61,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Matthews, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,814 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Matthews's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,041 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,620) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Matthews, North Carolina is projected to start at approximately $61,814, which serves as a reasonable baseline for new graduates stepping into their first roles. While this is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $86,620, there is a structured growth trajectory for those in the field. Early-career technologists can expect their salaries to gradually increase from the $61,814 starting point to around $72,192 at the 25th percentile within a few years, eventually aligning closer to the median as they gain experience and additional skills. Given the health sector's growth in Matthews, this area appears to be a promising market for fresh graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Matthews
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 Matthews
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Matthews, NC typically start between $61,814 and $72,192 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,771 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,620 — 14.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in North Carolina of $20,000 represents just 32.36% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,814/year) in Matthews. 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 Matthews
- 1Research the Matthews market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,814 to $72,192, 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 Matthews, 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 Matthews for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Matthews'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 Matthews is $47,771 ( 77.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,814, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,585.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,837
2025 BLS Actual
$58,910
2026 Current Est.
$61,814
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,837 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,314 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,862 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Matthews, NC grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,837 in 2019 to $58,910 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,862. New graduates entering the Matthews job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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 Matthews
Employers in Matthews primarily include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often offer comprehensive onboarding programs for new graduates. These organizations recognize the value of a state license and encourage the pursuit of advanced certifications recognized by the national body, which can significantly elevate starting pay for ultrasound technologists in NC. In the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations may show increases reflecting the competitive nature of healthcare compensation, although specifics can vary based on employer type and regional market characteristics. By focusing on professional development and maintaining credentials, aspiring technologists can effectively position themselves for better salary outcomes as they advance through the entry-level stage of their careers.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Matthews in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Matthews?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Matthews?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Matthews?
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 Matthews. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Matthews 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