Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $49,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Knoxville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,118 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Knoxville's local price level (BEA RPP 92.6 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,061 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,272) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those pursuing a career as an ultrasound technologist in Knoxville, TN, starting salaries for new graduates in 2026 are expected to be around $49,118. This entry-level figure is a significant gap when compared to the overall city median of $83,272, but it's important to recognize that early-career professionals have a clear path for growth. In the first few years, as new ultrasound technologists gain experience, salaries can rise substantially—reaching approximately $68,551 by the 25th percentile and potentially moving closer to the median as they build their skills and networks. Given the projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, Knoxville represents a viable job market for new grads eager to establish their careers in healthcare.
Career Earnings Timeline in Knoxville
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 Knoxville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Knoxville, TN typically start between $49,118 and $68,551 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,325 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,272 — 17.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Tennessee of $22,000 represents just 44.79% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($49,118/year) in Knoxville. 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 Knoxville
- 1Research the Knoxville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $49,118 to $68,551, 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 Knoxville, 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 Knoxville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Knoxville'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 Knoxville is $53,325 ( 108.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,118, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,443.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,130
2025 BLS Actual
$46,810
2026 Current Est.
$49,118
2019–2027 Growth
+19.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,539 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Knoxville, TN grew 8.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,130 in 2019 to $46,810 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,539. New graduates entering the Knoxville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Employers in Knoxville that typically hire entry-level ultrasound technologists include major hospital systems and corporate healthcare practices, which are often better equipped to provide structured onboarding for new employees. These establishments value qualifications such as state licensure and encourage further certifications recognized by nationally accredited organizations, which can enhance starting pay and open up more opportunities for advancement. In the initial years, those entering the field can expect varied compensation based on employment type and local market conditions, with realistic salary growth leading to significantly higher earnings over the first three years. For new ultrasound technologists in Tennessee, a proactive approach to professional development and networking will be crucial in maximizing earning potential and career advancement.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Knoxville. 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