Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Tulsa, OK: $70,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Tulsa, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,775 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tulsa's local price level (BEA RPP 89.2 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,903) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates considering a career as an ultrasound technologist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, can anticipate a starting salary of around $70,775 in 2026. While this figure is below the city median of $86,903, it's essential to recognize that there is still a promising growth trajectory in this field. Early-career professionals can expect to see their compensation increase to approximately $74,206 as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, even entry-level positions can experience salary growth within the local market, making Tulsa an increasingly favorable place for newcomers to the profession. Despite being lower than the national median of $101,352, the competitive salaries in Tulsa are supported by a lower cost of living index of 89.214, making it an attractive option for fresh graduates.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tulsa
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 Tulsa
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Tulsa, OK typically start between $70,775 and $74,206 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,279 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,903 — 14.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Oklahoma of $20,000 represents just 28.26% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($70,775/year) in Tulsa. 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 Tulsa
- 1Research the Tulsa market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $70,775 to $74,206, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Tulsa, 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 Tulsa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tulsa'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 Tulsa is $38,279 ( 54.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,775, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,054.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,620
2025 BLS Actual
$67,450
2026 Current Est.
$70,775
2019–2027 Growth
+38.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Tulsa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,265 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tulsa, OK grew 25.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,620 in 2019 to $67,450 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,265. New graduates entering the Tulsa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulsa 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 Tulsa
Several key employers in Tulsa actively seek to hire new graduate ultrasound technologists, especially large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. Earning state licensure is crucial for entry-level candidates, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can also set technologists apart and elevate their starting pay in Oklahoma. In the first one to three years, new ultrasound technologists should focus on building their skills and considering various employer types, as compensation can significantly vary based on the institution and required credentials. As they progress through these early years, professionals can aim for an increase in their annual pay, with the potential for salaries to reach around $98,771 by their third year, fostering a healthy career trajectory in the local job market.
More salary data for Tulsa, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Tulsa in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Tulsa?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Tulsa?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Tulsa?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Oklahoma?
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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 Tulsa. 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