Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Huron, SD: $66,025 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,025 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,148 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,739) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting an ultrasound technologist career in Huron, South Dakota, offers new graduates a competitive entry-level salary, with projections for 2026 indicating a starting pay of approximately $66,025. This figure is notably lower than the city median of $86,739, showing a gap that early-career professionals can expect to bridge as they gain experience. In the first three to five years, salaries can grow to around $74,725, allowing new grads to establish a solid financial footing as they develop their skills. With a growth rate of 4.93%, Huron represents a promising market for aspiring ultrasound technologists looking to advance their careers while enjoying a relatively affordable cost of living.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Huron, SD typically start between $66,025 and $74,725 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,274 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,739 — 14.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in South Dakota of $22,000 represents just 33.32% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($66,025/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $66,025 to $74,725, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron's below-average 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 Huron is $42,274 ( 64.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,025, experienced hygienists can earn up to $108,299.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,960
2025 BLS Actual
$62,923
2026 Current Est.
$66,025
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,906 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,394 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,025 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,280 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,960 in 2019 to $62,923 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,280. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
In Huron, the primary employers looking to hire new grad ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and corporate entities that value structured onboarding programs. These organizations allow entry-level staff to acclimate while enhancing their skills in a supportive environment. For aspiring ultrasound technologists, attaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further elevate their starting pay in South Dakota. During the first one to three years, it’s crucial to adopt a career strategy that focuses on building expertise and potentially shifting employment if salary growth opportunities arise. Compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer and geographic factors, but new graduates can anticipate realistic salary increases as they accumulate experience and credentials.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Huron in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Huron?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Huron?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Huron?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in South Dakota?
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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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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