Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Eugene, OR: $67,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Eugene, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,827 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eugene's local price level (BEA RPP 101.6 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,780 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,549) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Eugene, OR offers promising financial prospects for new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology. In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Eugene is projected to start at approximately $67,827. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $115,549, it reflects realistic expectations for professionals just embarking on their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level technicians can expect gradual pay increases, potentially ascending through the salary tiers—from the starting range up to $97,669 at the 25th percentile—before reaching the median as their experience grows. Given the city’s projected growth rate of 4.93% annually for this profession, Eugene presents itself as a compelling market for recent graduates looking to establish their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Eugene
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 Eugene
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Eugene, OR typically start between $67,827 and $97,669 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,380 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,549 — 14.01% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Oregon of $30,000 represents just 44.23% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($67,827/year) in Eugene. 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 Eugene
- 1Research the Eugene market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $67,827 to $97,669, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Eugene, 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 Eugene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Eugene's moderate 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 Eugene is $72,380 ( 106.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,827, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,207.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,510
2025 BLS Actual
$64,640
2026 Current Est.
$67,827
2019–2027 Growth
+-0.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Eugene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,171 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Eugene, OR grew -9.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,510 in 2019 to $64,640 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,171. New graduates entering the Eugene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eugene 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 Eugene
Employment opportunities in Eugene for new ultrasound technologists often arise in large hospital systems and corporate group practices that value structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. Entry-level positions are generally equipped with training that enhances skill sets, improving both comfort and competence in the ultrasound field. Obtaining state licensure is essential, while pursuing optional advanced certifications can further elevate starting pay within Oregon. New professionals should expect to see modest salary progress in their first few years, contingent upon the type of employer and any additional credentials they acquire. Engaging in continuing education and building professional networks within the Eugene area can also positively impact their advancement and compensation trajectory as they establish themselves in the healthcare community.
More salary data for Eugene, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Eugene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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