Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $81,746 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Forest Grove, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,746 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Forest Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,674 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,259) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective ultrasound technologists entering the workforce in Forest Grove can expect to start with a salary around $81,746 in 2026. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $117,259, suggesting a gap of nearly $35,000 between new graduates and more experienced professionals. However, those entering the field can anticipate a career trajectory that allows for growth, with an increase to about $95,933 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, it is possible for new technologists to bridge this gap and reach the median salary as they develop their skills. For fresh graduates in this market, Forest Grove presents a solid opportunity, given its competitive starting pay compared to national averages, particularly with the projected annual median for the U.S. being $101,352.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Forest Grove
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 Forest Grove
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Forest Grove, OR typically start between $81,746 and $95,933 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,894 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,259 — 15.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Oregon of $30,000 represents just 36.70% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($81,746/year) in Forest Grove. 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 Forest Grove
- 1Research the Forest Grove market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $81,746 to $95,933, 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 Forest Grove, 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 Forest Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Forest Grove'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 Forest Grove is $67,894 ( 83.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,746, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,640.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,617
2025 BLS Actual
$77,905
2026 Current Est.
$81,746
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,511 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,905 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,746 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,776 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Forest Grove, OR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,617 in 2019 to $77,905 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,776. New graduates entering the Forest Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove
Employers in Forest Grove that are keen on hiring new ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and established corporate group practices, many of which offer structured onboarding programs specifically designed for recent graduates. Holding state licensure is essential for employment, and pursuing additional certifications can position candidates for higher starting salaries, as these credentials are recognized nationally and could differentiate them in a competitive job market. Many entry-level professionals may find themselves commencing their careers at a base salary, but with experience and continued education, salary growth in the initial years can be significant. Given that compensation varies widely by employer type and geographic market, new graduates can expect to see their earnings improve steadily, potentially reaching more than $100,000 within their first few years in the field in this region.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Forest Grove in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Forest Grove?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Forest Grove?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Forest Grove?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Forest Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Forest Grove 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