Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Lima, OH: $71,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Lima, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lima's local price level (BEA RPP 89.7 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,386 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,494) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates pursuing a career in ultrasound technology, Lima, Ohio offers a starting pay that reflects both the local healthcare market and the cost of living. The entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Lima is projected to be $71,185 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $86,494. This gap might seem challenging, yet it positions prospective technicians to experience significant salary growth as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can reasonably expect to progress through wage brackets, moving from the entry-level figure to a 25th percentile salary of $83,021 and eventually reaching the median. With a projected growth rate of 4.93%, Lima remains a viable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers in ultrasound technology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lima
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 Lima
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Lima, OH typically start between $71,185 and $83,021 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,437 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,494 — 14.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Ohio of $24,000 represents just 33.71% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,185/year) in Lima. 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 Lima
- 1Research the Lima market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,185 to $83,021, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lima, 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 Lima for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lima'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 Lima is $31,437 ( 44.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,622.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,490
2025 BLS Actual
$67,840
2026 Current Est.
$71,185
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,694 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lima, OH grew 29.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,490 in 2019 to $67,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,694. New graduates entering the Lima job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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 Lima
Employers in Lima typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively recruit new graduates. These establishments often have structured onboarding programs that help entry-level ultrasound technologists transition smoothly into their roles. To enhance starting pay prospects in Ohio, new grads are encouraged to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body. Focusing on skill development during the initial 1-3 years can also lead to better compensation as market demands vary based on employer type. Given the market dynamics, recent graduates can expect salary growth aligning with professional achievements, as their earnings can increase substantially as they gain credentials and experience in this field.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Lima in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Lima?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Lima?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Lima?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Ohio?
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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 Lima. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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