Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cookeville, TN: $58,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Cookeville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,167 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cookeville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,363 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,124) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the workforce as ultrasound technologists in Cookeville, TN, can expect a starting salary around $58,167. While this figure is at the lower end of the spectrum, it is important to consider that Cookeville's overall median salary for this role is projected to be $79,124 in 2026, creating a visible gap of nearly $21,000. For those in their early career years, there is a clear upward trajectory: as experience is gained, salaries can reach $66,955 in the 25th percentile and potentially exceed the median salary with continued professional development. Given the projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, Cookeville presents a reasonable market for new grad ultrasound technologists looking to establish themselves in their field.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cookeville
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 Cookeville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cookeville, TN typically start between $58,167 and $66,955 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,346 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,124 — 21.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Tennessee of $22,000 represents just 37.82% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($58,167/year) in Cookeville. 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 Cookeville
- 1Research the Cookeville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $58,167 to $66,955, 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 Cookeville, 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 Cookeville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cookeville'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 Cookeville is $43,346 ( 74.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,167, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,513.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,133
2025 BLS Actual
$55,434
2026 Current Est.
$58,167
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,966 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,641 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,434 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,035 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cookeville, TN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,133 in 2019 to $55,434 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,035. New graduates entering the Cookeville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville 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 Cookeville
Employer types play a significant role in shaping the pay for new grad ultrasound technologists in Cookeville. Major healthcare institutions and corporate group practices are often the primary sources of entry-level jobs, typically providing structured onboarding and training programs for recent graduates. Obtaining state licensure is essential for any new ultrasound technologist, and pursuing advanced certifications, although optional, can enhance earning potential in Tennessee. In the initial 1-3 years, growth in salary is plausible, with many new graduates moving towards the mid-$60,000 range as they gain experience and expertise. It’s vital for newcomers to strategically select employers that prioritize training and mentorship, as this can significantly impact their earning trajectory and career advancement in the healthcare environment of Cookeville.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Cookeville in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Cookeville?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Cookeville?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Cookeville?
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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 Cookeville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cookeville 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