Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $64,152 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Spearfish, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,152 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Spearfish's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,129 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,183) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Spearfish, SD, can anticipate starting their careers with entry-level salaries around $64,152 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, it is significant when considering the median annual salary of $90,183 for ultrasound technologists in the city. The gap of nearly $26,000 indicates that there is potential for salary growth as new technologists gain experience. Over the first five years, entry-level professionals can expect their earnings to increase as they move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, hitting $80,004 as they establish themselves in the workforce. Given the favorable growth rate of 4.93% projected for this occupation, Spearfish proves to be a viable market for new ultrasound technologists eager to begin their careers.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Spearfish
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 Spearfish
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Spearfish, SD typically start between $64,152 and $80,004 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,575 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,183 — 11.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in South Dakota of $22,000 represents just 34.29% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($64,152/year) in Spearfish. 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 Spearfish
- 1Research the Spearfish market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $64,152 to $80,004, 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 Spearfish, 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 Spearfish for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Spearfish'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 Spearfish is $46,575 ( 72.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,152, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,727.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,571
2025 BLS Actual
$61,138
2026 Current Est.
$64,152
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,571 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,378 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,138 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,152 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,315 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Spearfish, SD grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,571 in 2019 to $61,138 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,315. New graduates entering the Spearfish job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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 Spearfish
Employers in Spearfish seeking to hire entry-level ultrasound technologists include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which typically offer structured onboarding programs for new graduates. These organizations provide an environment conducive to professional development, allowing for early-career learning and mentorship. To enhance starting pay in South Dakota, new ultrasound technologists are encouraged to obtain state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body. In the first three years, salary growth can vary, influenced by employer type, geographic market, and the credential mix of the technologist. As new graduates build their skills and gain experience, realistic expectations for pay progression often involve transitioning through various roles and responsibilities, ultimately aiming to align closer to the median salary, thereby reflecting their expertise and contributions to healthcare in Spearfish.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Spearfish in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Spearfish?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Spearfish?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Spearfish?
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 Spearfish. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spearfish 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