Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Arlington, TX: $66,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Arlington, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,205 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Arlington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,964 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,587) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A starting ultrasound technologist in Arlington, TX, can expect an entry-level salary around $66,205 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $101,587, reflecting the common salary trajectory new graduates face. While this entry-level pay may seem modest, there is potential for growth as professionals gain experience. Within the first three to five years, salaries can rise from $66,205 to reach approximately $80,482 at the 25th percentile, positioning a new grad well on their way to the overall median. The favorable growth rate of 4.93% per year suggests that Arlington remains a competitive market for new graduates pursuing careers in ultrasound technology.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Arlington
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 Arlington
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Arlington, TX typically start between $66,205 and $80,482 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,202 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,587 — 0.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 37.76% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($66,205/year) in Arlington. 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 Arlington
- 1Research the Arlington market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $66,205 to $80,482, 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 Arlington, 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 Arlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Arlington'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 Arlington is $75,202 ( 113.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,205, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,407.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,093
2025 BLS Actual
$63,094
2026 Current Est.
$66,205
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,093 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,484 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,468 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Arlington, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,093 in 2019 to $63,094 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,468. New graduates entering the Arlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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 Arlington
Opportunities for entry-level ultrasound technologists in Arlington are robust, especially with large hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively recruit recent graduates. These employers often provide structured onboarding programs, ensuring that new hires receive comprehensive training that enhances their skill sets. Licensure in Texas is mandatory, but obtaining advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can significantly boost starting pay and career prospects. In the first three years, salary advancements are typically influenced by employer type and the variety of credentials held. Graduates who strategically invest in further training and continue to build their professional networks can realistically expect to see their compensation increase as they transition from entry-level roles to more experienced positions, potentially reaching the higher ends of the salary spectrum.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Arlington in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Arlington?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Arlington?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Arlington?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Texas?
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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 Arlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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