Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wilson, NC: $62,961 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Wilson, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,961 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilson's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,266 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,002) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking to embark on a career as an ultrasound technologist in Wilson, North Carolina, the entry-level salary presents both opportunities and challenges. The starting point is approximately $62,961, which may seem modest when compared to the city’s projected median annual salary of $84,002. New graduates entering this field should realistically expect to move from this initial figure to around $71,975 within a few years as they gain experience and skills. Considering the annual growth rate of 4.93%, those in their first three to five years can anticipate steady progression toward the median, suggesting that Wilson is currently a reasonable city for new grads in this profession to start their careers.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilson
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 Wilson
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wilson, NC typically start between $62,961 and $71,975 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,232 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,002 — 17.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in North Carolina of $20,000 represents just 31.77% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($62,961/year) in Wilson. 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 Wilson
- 1Research the Wilson market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $62,961 to $71,975, 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 Wilson, 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 Wilson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilson'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 Wilson is $46,232 ( 73.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,961, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,193.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,688
2025 BLS Actual
$60,003
2026 Current Est.
$62,961
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,688 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,003 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,961 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,065 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wilson, NC grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,688 in 2019 to $60,003 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,065. New graduates entering the Wilson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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 Wilson
Employment prospects in Wilson are bolstered by the presence of large hospital systems and corporate group practices that are known to hire new graduates. These employers often offer structured onboarding programs designed to support entry-level professionals as they transition into the workforce. To enhance their starting pay, new ultrasound technologists in North Carolina should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications from professional bodies. In the first one to three years, salaries can vary significantly depending on the type of employer and the credentials held, with many new graduates realistically aiming for salary increases as they build experience and enhance their skills. This strategic growth can help new grads align closer to the higher salary thresholds in the industry over time.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Wilson in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Wilson?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Wilson?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Wilson?
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 Wilson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilson 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