Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Mayaguez, PR: $29,108 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Mayaguez, PR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,108 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Puerto Rico's local price level (BEA RPP 75.025% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,811 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,441) within a few years of clinical practice.

$29,108
Starting Salary
$14.00/hr
Starting Hourly
$29,108
Entry Level
$73,441
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Mayaguez, PR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Mayaguez, PR ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Mayaguez offers entry-level opportunities for ultrasound technologists that present both challenges and prospects. The starting ultrasound technologist salary in Mayaguez is projected to be around $29,108 in 2026, significantly lower than the city median of $73,441. However, new graduates can anticipate a potential growth trajectory in their early careers, progressing from that initial starting point to approximately $34,123 after gaining a bit of experience. The healthy annual growth rate of 4.93% suggests that the job market for ultrasound technologists will remain favorable, making Mayaguez a worthwhile location for fresh graduates entering the field. Those who are adaptable and proactive in seeking employment can aspire to bridge the gap towards the median salary within their first three to five years.

Career Earnings Timeline in Mayaguez

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$29,108/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$34,123/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$73,441/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$94,416/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mayaguez

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Mayaguez. The median salary is $73,441, compared to the national median of $101,352.$26.2K$46.3K$66.3K$86.4K$106.4K$29.1K10th Pctl$34.1K25th Pctl$73.4KMedian$94.4K75th Pctl$94.4K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Mayaguez, PR typically start between $29,108 and $34,123 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,308 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,44127.54% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Mayaguez metro area.

Return on Investment

$15,000
Avg PR Program Cost
$29,108
Starting Salary
51.53%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Puerto Rico of $15,000 represents just 51.53% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($29,108/year) in Mayaguez. 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 Mayaguez

  • 1Research the Mayaguez market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $29,108 to $34,123, 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 PR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mayaguez, 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 Mayaguez for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Mayaguez'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 Mayaguez is $65,308 ( 224.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,108, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,416.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$21,584

2025 BLS Actual

$27,740

2026 Current Est.

$29,108

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Mayaguez (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Mayaguez. Baseline $21,584 in 2025, projected to $30,543 by 2027.$13.0K$18.1K$23.2K$28.3K$33.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.6K$15.9K$24.4K$25.1K$26.0K$25.6K$27.7K$29.1K$30.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$21,584Actual
2020$15,900Actual
2021$24,394Actual
2022$25,126Actual
2023$26,047Actual
2024$25,620Actual
2025$27,740Actual
2026(current)$29,108Estimated
2027$30,543Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Mayaguez, PR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,584 in 2019 to $27,740 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,543. New graduates entering the Mayaguez job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mayaguez metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Mayaguez

Employers in Mayaguez tend to include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that value structured onboarding for new graduates. These employers often prefer candidates who hold state licensure and may offer additional incentives for advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body. New ultrasound technologists are encouraged to focus on continuous education to enhance their expertise, which can effectively lead to higher starting pay in the competitive market of Puerto Rico. In the first few years, while entry-level pay might seem modest, professionals who strategically align their credentials and pursue opportunities in diverse healthcare settings could experience substantial salary growth, reflecting variations by employer type and geographic demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Mayaguez in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Mayaguez start at approximately $29,108/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $13.99/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Mayaguez?

Most ultrasound technologists in Mayaguez progress from the entry-level salary of $29,108 to the area median of $73,441 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $94,416 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Mayaguez?

With a starting salary of $29,108/year in Mayaguez and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Mayaguez?

New medical imaging graduates in Mayaguez typically start near the 10th percentile at $29,108/year, or approximately $13.99/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Puerto Rico?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Puerto Rico, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Puerto Rico, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Puerto Rico

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Mayaguez. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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

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