Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $66,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Chattanooga, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,756 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chattanooga's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,986 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,548) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Chattanooga is projected to begin at around $66,756. This starting figure falls significantly below the city median salary of $82,548, leaving a noticeable gap for new graduates entering the field. However, there is a clear growth trajectory for those early in their careers, with potential earnings reaching $70,387 at the 25th percentile after a few years on the job. With a decent annual growth rate of 4.93%, new professionals can expect to gradually approach the median salary within a three to five-year timeframe, making Chattanooga a viable market for new ultrasound technologists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chattanooga
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 Chattanooga
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Chattanooga, TN typically start between $66,756 and $70,387 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,492 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,548 — 18.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Tennessee of $22,000 represents just 32.96% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($66,756/year) in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga
- 1Research the Chattanooga market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $66,756 to $70,387, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga is $37,492 ( 56.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,756, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,248.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,230
2025 BLS Actual
$63,620
2026 Current Est.
$66,756
2019–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,048 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Chattanooga, TN grew 19.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,230 in 2019 to $63,620 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,048. New graduates entering the Chattanooga job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
In this region, major employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices frequently hire recent graduates and provide them with structured onboarding programs. While the base salary may start lower compared to national averages, credentials such as state licensure and additional certifications can enhance starting pay. New graduates should aim to capitalize on these educational opportunities, as they significantly influence salary prospects. In the first few years, realistic expectations for compensation growth can vary widely based on the employer type, geographic market, and credential mix. By focusing on continuous professional development and strategically negotiating their pay, early-career ultrasound technologists in Chattanooga can experience fruitful salary advancements as they gain valuable clinical experience.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Chattanooga in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Chattanooga?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Chattanooga?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Chattanooga?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Tennessee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Chattanooga. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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