Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Hermiston, OR: $82,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Hermiston, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,406 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hermiston's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,318 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,904) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Those considering a career as an ultrasound technologist in Hermiston, Oregon, can expect an entry-level salary around $82,406 in 2026. This starting figure falls below the city’s median annual salary of $113,904, indicating a significant gap that new graduates will want to understand as they begin their careers. New professionals can aim for a salary of approximately $95,002 at the 25th percentile within a few years as they gain experience and skills. Hermiston currently offers a promising market for fresh graduates, boasting a projected growth rate of 4.93%, suggesting that as demand increases, so too will the earning potential for new technicians.
About the Hermiston Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hermiston
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 Hermiston
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Hermiston, OR typically start between $82,406 and $95,002 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,771 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,904 — 12.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Oregon of $30,000 represents just 36.41% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($82,406/year) in Hermiston. 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 Hermiston
- 1Research the Hermiston market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $82,406 to $95,002, 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 Hermiston, 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 Hermiston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hermiston'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 Hermiston is $65,771 ( 79.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,406, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,177.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,106
2025 BLS Actual
$78,534
2026 Current Est.
$82,406
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Hermiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,106 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,062 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,135 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,115 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,534 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,468 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hermiston, OR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,106 in 2019 to $78,534 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,468. New graduates entering the Hermiston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hermiston 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 Hermiston
New grads entering the ultrasound technologist field in Hermiston will find opportunities primarily in larger hospital systems and established corporate group practices. These employers often provide structured onboarding programs that are ideal for those just starting out. To enhance entry-level earnings, obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications recognized nationally can make a substantial difference in pay rates. Compensation in this field can vary significantly depending on employer type and geographic market. In the first few years, one can reasonably expect salary growth that aligns with the local market’s demand for skilled technologists, leading to increases that may elevate pay beyond initial levels as experience and qualifications build.
More salary data for Hermiston, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Hermiston in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Hermiston?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Hermiston?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Hermiston?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Oregon?
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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 Hermiston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hermiston 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