Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $64,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Grand Forks, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,418 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Forks's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,020 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,770) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as an ultrasound technologist in Grand Forks, ND, offers a promising financial outlook. For new graduates entering the field in 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $64,418, a clear demarcation from the city’s median annual salary of $93,770. This gap indicates room for growth, as entry-level professionals typically see salary increases as they gain experience, with expectations to reach the 25th percentile earnings of $76,601 within their first few years. The job market in Grand Forks appears favorable for new grads, especially given the ongoing demand for healthcare services, which supports a steady growth trajectory in the sector.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Grand Forks, ND typically start between $64,418 and $76,601 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,266 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,770 — 7.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in North Dakota of $20,000 represents just 31.05% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($64,418/year) in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks
- 1Research the Grand Forks market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $64,418 to $76,601, 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 Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks is $57,266 ( 88.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,418, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,684.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,768
2025 BLS Actual
$61,391
2026 Current Est.
$64,418
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,768 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,691 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,607 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,643 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,391 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,593 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Forks, ND grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,768 in 2019 to $61,391 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,593. New graduates entering the Grand Forks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, large hospital systems and established corporate group practices are primary employers of entry-level ultrasound technologists. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs for recent graduates, ensuring a smoother transition into professional practice. Earning state licensure is crucial, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further enhance starting pay and career advancement potential in North Dakota. New graduates should develop a strategic approach, recognizing that initial salaries can vary widely based on the type of employer, geographic location, and professional credentials. In the first three years, ultrasound technologists can expect realistic salary growth as they progress through positions, improving their earnings potential by taking on additional responsibilities and gaining valuable experience in the healthcare field.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Grand Forks in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Grand Forks?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Grand Forks?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Grand Forks?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in North Dakota?
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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 Grand Forks. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grand Forks 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