Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in McMinnville, OR: $86,054 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the McMinnville, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,054 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out McMinnville's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,873 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,067) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in McMinnville is projected to be around $86,054. This figure, representing the 10th percentile of the pay range, illustrates a reasonable entry point for new graduates in a market where the median annual salary is significantly higher at $119,067. For those just starting their careers, there is a clear growth trajectory; moving from the starting salary up to $99,665 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median within the first three to five years. This upward movement suggests that McMinnville presents a favorable job market for new ultrasound technologists, especially considering the overall expected annual growth rate of 4.93% for this occupation in the area.
About the McMinnville Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in McMinnville
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 McMinnville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in McMinnville, OR typically start between $86,054 and $99,665 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,265 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,067 — 17.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Oregon of $30,000 represents just 34.86% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($86,054/year) in McMinnville. 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 McMinnville
- 1Research the McMinnville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $86,054 to $99,665, 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 McMinnville, 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 McMinnville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5McMinnville'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 McMinnville is $65,265 ( 75.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,054, experienced hygienists can earn up to $151,319.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,812
2025 BLS Actual
$82,011
2026 Current Est.
$86,054
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,045 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,005 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,054 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,297 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in McMinnville, OR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,812 in 2019 to $82,011 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,297. New graduates entering the McMinnville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McMinnville 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 McMinnville
Several employers in McMinnville are eager to recruit new graduates, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. Establishing credentials such as state licensure is essential for entry-level positions, and pursuing additional certifications can further enhance salary prospects. New technologists should strategize their first few years by seeking diverse experience across various settings, as compensation can vary drastically based on employer type and geographic location. In this context, realistic salary growth in the first three years would ideally see new grads moving beyond initial entry-level salaries as they build their skill sets, gain practical experience, and potentially ascend to more lucrative positions within the industry.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in McMinnville in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in McMinnville?
Is medical imaging school worth it in McMinnville?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in McMinnville?
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 McMinnville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McMinnville 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