Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in The Dalles, OR: $85,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the The Dalles, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,533 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out The Dalles's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,365 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,312) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates starting their careers as ultrasound technologists in The Dalles, OR, can anticipate an entry-level salary of around $85,533. This initial pay, while lower than the city median of $111,312, represents a solid foundation on which to build a career in this field. Within the first 3-5 years, those in entry-level positions might reasonably expect to see salary growth as they gain experience and potentially move up to the $96,566 mark, reflecting the progression from the 10th to the 25th percentile. Given the projected growth rate of 4.93% in this occupation, The Dalles appears to be a promising market for new graduates eager to start their professional journey in healthcare, offering a salary that exceeds the national entry-level average by approximately 9.83%.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in The Dalles
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 The Dalles
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in The Dalles, OR typically start between $85,533 and $96,566 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,016 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,312 — 9.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Oregon of $30,000 represents just 35.07% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($85,533/year) in The Dalles. 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 The Dalles
- 1Research the The Dalles market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $85,533 to $96,566, 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 The Dalles, 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 The Dalles for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5The Dalles'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 The Dalles is $58,016 ( 67.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,533, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,549.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,425
2025 BLS Actual
$81,514
2026 Current Est.
$85,533
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in The Dalles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,425 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,651 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,889 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,514 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,749 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in The Dalles, OR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,425 in 2019 to $81,514 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,749. New graduates entering the The Dalles job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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 The Dalles
Employers in The Dalles, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively seek to hire new grad ultrasound technologists. These organizations often offer structured onboarding programs, providing essential training for those just starting in the industry. To enhance starting pay, it's beneficial for graduates to pursue state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized by the national body. Career strategies during the first 1-3 years should focus on gaining diverse clinical experience and possibly additional credentials, as salary growth in this market can greatly depend on the type of employer, geographic area, and credentialing. Early-career technologists can often expect pay increases as they transition from entry-level roles, ultimately setting the stage for earnings that align more closely with local and national medians over time.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in The Dalles in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in The Dalles?
Is medical imaging school worth it in The Dalles?
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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 The Dalles. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for The Dalles 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