Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Mount Juliet, TN: $59,442 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Mount Juliet, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,442 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mount Juliet's local price level (BEA RPP 91.88% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,752 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,699) within a few years of clinical practice.

$59,442
Starting Salary
$28.58/hr
Starting Hourly
$59,442
Entry Level
$79,699
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Mount Juliet, TN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Mount Juliet, TN ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those considering a career in medical imaging, starting your journey as an entry-level ultrasound technologist in Mount Juliet, TN comes with a projected annual salary of approximately $59,442. This amount sets the stage for new grads who may find the local median salary of $79,699 somewhat ambitious to attain in their initial role. However, within the first few years of work, there is significant potential for salary growth. Early-career professionals can aim for the 25th percentile earning of $68,148 as they gain experience and skills, paving the way toward reaching the median salary. With an annual growth rate of 4.93% expected over the next five years, Mount Juliet offers a promising market for recent graduates looking to establish a foothold in the healthcare sector.

About the Mount Juliet Market

Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Mount Juliet

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$59,442/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$68,148/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$79,699/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$89,026/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Juliet

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Mount Juliet. The median salary is $79,699, compared to the national median of $101,352.$53.5K$67.3K$81.0K$94.8K$108.5K$59.4K10th Pctl$68.1K25th Pctl$79.7KMedian$89.0K75th Pctl$103.4K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Mount Juliet, TN typically start between $59,442 and $68,148 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,910 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,69921.36% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Mount Juliet metro area.

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg TN Program Cost
$59,442
Starting Salary
37.01%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Tennessee of $22,000 represents just 37.01% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($59,442/year) in Mount Juliet. 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 Mount Juliet

  • 1Research the Mount Juliet market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $59,442 to $68,148, 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 Mount Juliet, 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 Mount Juliet for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Mount Juliet'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 Mount Juliet is $43,910 ( 73.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,442, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,352.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$44,078

2025 BLS Actual

$56,649

2026 Current Est.

$59,442

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Mount Juliet (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Mount Juliet. Baseline $44,078 in 2025, projected to $62,372 by 2027.$40.4K$46.8K$53.2K$59.6K$66.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$44.1K$44.9K$49.8K$51.3K$53.2K$48.7K$56.6K$59.4K$62.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$44,078Actual
2020$44,930Actual
2021$49,816Actual
2022$51,312Actual
2023$53,191Actual
2024$48,663Actual
2025$56,649Actual
2026(current)$59,442Estimated
2027$62,372Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Mount Juliet, TN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,078 in 2019 to $56,649 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,372. New graduates entering the Mount Juliet job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Juliet metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Mount Juliet

In Mount Juliet, employers that typically hire new graduates in ultrasound technology include large hospital systems and corporate group practices offering structured onboarding programs. These organizations understand the value of supporting new professionals, leading to better integration and skill development. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, pursuing state licensure alongside optional advanced certifications recognized by the national body can provide a valuable competitive edge. In the first few years, strategic positioning within the job market can lead to substantial salary increases, particularly with experience and additional credentials. Specifically, new graduates can anticipate realistic pay raises as they progress, particularly if they align themselves with employers known for higher compensation based on their credential mix and geographic advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Mount Juliet in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Mount Juliet start at approximately $59,442/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $28.58/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Mount Juliet?

Most ultrasound technologists in Mount Juliet progress from the entry-level salary of $59,442 to the area median of $79,699 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $103,352 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Mount Juliet?

With a starting salary of $59,442/year in Mount Juliet and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Mount Juliet?

New medical imaging graduates in Mount Juliet typically start near the 10th percentile at $59,442/year, or approximately $28.58/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Tennessee?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Tennessee, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Tennessee, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Tennessee

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Mount Juliet. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Mount Juliet is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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