Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Abilene, TX: $61,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Abilene, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,848 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Abilene's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,425 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,632) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of an ultrasound technologist in Abilene, Texas can expect a starting salary around $61,848. While this figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $86,632, it reflects the reality of entry-level positions in this sector. Over the first few years, new professionals may see salary growth as they progress through the ranges, with realistic expectations reaching approximately $72,527 at the 25th percentile and edging closer to the median as they gain experience. With a projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, Abilene presents a solid market for new ultrasound technologists, allowing for personal and professional development in a community that values healthcare workers.
About the Abilene Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Abilene
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 Abilene
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Abilene, TX typically start between $61,848 and $72,527 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,033 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,632 — 14.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 40.42% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,848/year) in Abilene. 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 Abilene
- 1Research the Abilene market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,848 to $72,527, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Abilene, 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 Abilene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Abilene's moderate 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 Abilene is $60,033 ( 97.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,848, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,881.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,862
2025 BLS Actual
$58,942
2026 Current Est.
$61,848
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,862 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,897 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Abilene, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,862 in 2019 to $58,942 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,897. New graduates entering the Abilene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Abilene 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 Abilene
Employers in Abilene that actively seek to hire newly minted ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems such as Hendrick Health System and various corporate group practices. These institutions often provide structured onboarding programs, making it easier for fresh graduates to transition into their roles. For those hoping to boost their initial pay in Texas, obtaining state licensure along with pursuing optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can be beneficial. During the first three years, ultrasound technologists might experience varied compensation depending on their employer type, geographic market, and credential mix, shaping their career path significantly. With the potential for salary increases as individuals gain experience, it's realistic to expect gradual growth in earnings, particularly as one establishes themselves within a workplace that offers opportunities for further education and advancement.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Abilene in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Abilene?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Abilene?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Abilene?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Abilene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Abilene 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