Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Jackson, TN: $71,583 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Jackson, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,583 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 85.5 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,701 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,043) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field in Jackson, TN, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary is projected to start at $71,583 in 2026, a substantial entry point but still below the city's median salary of $86,043. This gap suggests that while there is room for growth, early-career professionals in this market must set realistic expectations for their initial earnings. Over the first few years, individuals can realistically expect to see their salaries increase as they gain experience, transitioning from the entry-level pay towards the median. Given Jackson’s current healthcare landscape and the anticipated 4.93% annual growth in this sector, it is a reasonable time for new graduates to explore opportunities, especially with the demand for qualified ultrasound technologists on the rise.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Jackson, TN typically start between $71,583 and $71,583 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,531 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,043 — 15.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Tennessee of $22,000 represents just 30.73% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,583/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,583 to $71,583, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $18,531 ( 25.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,583, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,114.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,130
2025 BLS Actual
$68,220
2026 Current Est.
$71,583
2019–2027 Growth
+70.2%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,583 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,112 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, TN grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,130 in 2019 to $68,220 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,112. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Employers in the Jackson area, such as larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively recruit new graduates and often provide structured onboarding programs that facilitate the transition into the workforce. Earning potential can increase with state licensure and consideration of advanced certifications from recognized professional bodies, which can enhance a candidate's employability and starting pay in Tennessee. In the first one to three years, new ultrasound technologists can prepare for a competitive experience as compensation varies significantly based on the type of employer, geographic location, and the credentials held. Realistically, as individuals gain competency and further their education, they may see incremental increases in their salaries, paving the way for more substantial advances toward the higher salary range in the region.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Jackson?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Jackson?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Tennessee?
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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 Jackson. 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