Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Upper Arlington, OH: $60,980 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Upper Arlington, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,980 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Upper Arlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.79% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,233 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,551) within a few years of clinical practice.

$60,980
Starting Salary
$29.32/hr
Starting Hourly
$60,980
Entry Level
$83,551
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Upper Arlington, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Upper Arlington, OH ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For recent graduates entering the healthcare workforce, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Upper Arlington, Ohio, is projected at $60,980 in 2026. While this figure establishes a starting point, it’s important to consider the broader context: the median salary for ultrasound technologists in the area is significantly higher at $83,551. This gap underscores the potential for growth as new professionals gain experience; many can realistically expect to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $70,441 within a few years. With a predicted annual growth rate of 4.93% over the next five years, Upper Arlington presents a favorable job market for newcomers in the ultrasound field, allowing for both professional development and financial stability.

About the Upper Arlington Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Upper Arlington

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$60,980/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$70,441/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$83,551/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$92,372/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Upper Arlington

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Upper Arlington. The median salary is $83,551, compared to the national median of $101,352.$54.9K$69.2K$83.5K$97.8K$112.1K$61.0K10th Pctl$70.4K25th Pctl$83.6KMedian$92.4K75th Pctl$106.8K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Upper Arlington, OH typically start between $60,980 and $70,441 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,798 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,55117.56% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Upper Arlington metro area.

Return on Investment

$24,000
Avg OH Program Cost
$60,980
Starting Salary
39.36%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Ohio of $24,000 represents just 39.36% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,980/year) in Upper Arlington. 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 Upper Arlington

  • 1Research the Upper Arlington market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,980 to $70,441, 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 Upper Arlington, 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 Upper Arlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Upper Arlington'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 Upper Arlington is $45,798 ( 75.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,980, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,778.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$45,219

2025 BLS Actual

$58,115

2026 Current Est.

$60,980

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Upper Arlington (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Upper Arlington. Baseline $45,219 in 2025, projected to $63,986 by 2027.$41.5K$48.0K$54.6K$61.2K$67.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$45.2K$46.1K$51.1K$52.6K$54.6K$49.2K$58.1K$61.0K$64.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$45,219Actual
2020$46,093Actual
2021$51,106Actual
2022$52,639Actual
2023$54,567Actual
2024$49,210Actual
2025$58,115Actual
2026(current)$60,980Estimated
2027$63,986Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Upper Arlington, OH grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,219 in 2019 to $58,115 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,986. New graduates entering the Upper Arlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Upper Arlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Upper Arlington

In Upper Arlington, hospitals and health systems are prime employers for new grad ultrasound technologists, often offering structured onboarding programs that help ease the transition from academic training to hands-on practice. To enhance starting pay, obtaining state licensure alongside optional advanced certifications recognized nationally can be beneficial. Early-career professionals should anticipate compensatory growth during their first few years—those who align with larger healthcare networks may witness more rapid increases in pay. Given the variations caused by employer type and geographic conditions, new graduates should focus on networking and seeking mentorship opportunities to maximize their potential in the field. In this context, realistic salary expectations for the first few years can lead many to earn salaries approaching the city's median as they gain experience and additional credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Upper Arlington in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Upper Arlington start at approximately $60,980/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $29.32/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Upper Arlington?

Most ultrasound technologists in Upper Arlington progress from the entry-level salary of $60,980 to the area median of $83,551 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $106,778 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Upper Arlington?

With a starting salary of $60,980/year in Upper Arlington and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Upper Arlington?

New medical imaging graduates in Upper Arlington typically start near the 10th percentile at $60,980/year, or approximately $29.32/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Ohio?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Ohio, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Ohio, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Ohio

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Upper Arlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Upper Arlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: