Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Sevierville, TN: $55,925 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Sevierville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,925 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sevierville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.88% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,920 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,618) within a few years of clinical practice.

$55,925
Starting Salary
$26.88/hr
Starting Hourly
$55,925
Entry Level
$78,618
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Sevierville, Tennessee, can expect a starting salary around $55,925, according to projections for 2026. This initiation point is lower than the median annual salary of $78,618 for the area, creating a noticeable gap for new entrants. However, with experience and skill development, starting professionals can see their earnings progress through key salary percentiles—from $65,128 at P25 to the median value—over the first three to five years. With a positive growth trajectory of 4.93% annually projected in the coming years, this market offers encouraging potential for new graduates to advance their pay significantly.

About the Sevierville Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Sevierville

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$55,925/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$65,128/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$78,618/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$86,340/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sevierville

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Sevierville. The median salary is $78,618, compared to the national median of $101,352.$50.3K$64.4K$78.5K$92.6K$106.7K$55.9K10th Pctl$65.1K25th Pctl$78.6KMedian$86.3K75th Pctl$101.6K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Sevierville, TN typically start between $55,925 and $65,128 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,675 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,61822.43% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg TN Program Cost
$55,925
Starting Salary
39.34%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Tennessee of $22,000 represents just 39.34% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($55,925/year) in Sevierville. 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 Sevierville

  • 1Research the Sevierville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $55,925 to $65,128, 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 Sevierville, 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 Sevierville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Sevierville'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 Sevierville is $45,675 ( 81.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,925, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,600.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$41,470

2025 BLS Actual

$53,297

2026 Current Est.

$55,925

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Sevierville (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 Sevierville. Baseline $41,470 in 2025, projected to $58,682 by 2027.$38.0K$44.1K$50.1K$56.1K$62.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.5K$42.3K$46.9K$48.3K$50.0K$45.9K$53.3K$55.9K$58.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$41,470Actual
2020$42,271Actual
2021$46,869Actual
2022$48,275Actual
2023$50,044Actual
2024$45,898Actual
2025$53,297Actual
2026(current)$55,925Estimated
2027$58,682Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sevierville, TN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,470 in 2019 to $53,297 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,682. New graduates entering the Sevierville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sevierville 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 Sevierville

In Sevierville, employment opportunities for entry-level ultrasound technologists are primarily found within larger hospital systems and established group practices that provide structured onboarding programs. These organizations often prioritize hiring new graduates for their willingness to learn and grow within the profession. To enhance their credentials and starting pay, new grads should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body for ultrasound professionals, as this can lead to more competitive compensation. As they embark on their first three years in the field, early-career technologists in TN can anticipate gradual salary increases aligned with skill acquisition, employer differentiation, and geographic considerations. The entry-level market for ultrasound technologists in Sevierville is promising for motivated candidates, especially those willing to take advantage of ongoing education and training opportunities to boost both their expertise and earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Sevierville in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Sevierville start at approximately $55,925/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 $26.89/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 Sevierville?

Most ultrasound technologists in Sevierville progress from the entry-level salary of $55,925 to the area median of $78,618 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $101,600 (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 Sevierville?

With a starting salary of $55,925/year in Sevierville 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 Sevierville?

New medical imaging graduates in Sevierville typically start near the 10th percentile at $55,925/year, or approximately $26.89/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 Sevierville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Sevierville 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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