Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Dickinson, ND: $63,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,693 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,232 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,174) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates looking for entry-level ultrasound technologist positions in Dickinson, North Dakota, can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary of approximately $63,693 in 2026. This figure sits below the city’s median annual salary of $91,174, indicating there is a significant gap for those just beginning their career. However, as new technologists gain experience and skills, their earnings can climb to around $74,761, representing a realistic and encouraging growth trajectory over the initial few years in the field. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93% and a supportive job market in Dickinson, the outlook for new grads entering this profession appears favorable, providing multiple opportunities for advancement and increased compensation.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
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 Dickinson
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Dickinson, ND typically start between $63,693 and $74,761 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,318 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,174 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in North Dakota of $20,000 represents just 31.40% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($63,693/year) in Dickinson. 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 Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $63,693 to $74,761, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, 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 Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson'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 Dickinson is $58,318 ( 91.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,693, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,011.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,230
2025 BLS Actual
$60,700
2026 Current Est.
$63,693
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,143 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,981 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,995 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,833 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,230 in 2019 to $60,700 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,833. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
In Dickinson, major employers of ultrasound technologists typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that are open to hiring new graduates. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs that help recent graduates transition smoothly into the workforce. To enhance starting pay, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing additional advanced certifications recognized by national accrediting bodies can further benefit job seekers. During the first one to three years, ultrasound technologists in this market can anticipate realistic salary growth, although compensation may differ based on the type of employer and geographical area. By strategically gaining experience and considering continuous education options, new graduates can effectively position themselves for better salaries and job stability throughout their burgeoning careers in healthcare.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Dickinson in 2026?
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Is medical imaging school worth it in Dickinson?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Dickinson?
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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 Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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