Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cleburne, TX: $62,578 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Cleburne, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,578 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleburne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.04% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,185 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,160) within a few years of clinical practice.

$62,578
Starting Salary
$30.08/hr
Starting Hourly
$62,578
Entry Level
$86,160
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Cleburne presents a promising environment for those entering the ultrasound technologist field, with a projected starting salary of $62,578 in 2026. While this figure is noticeably lower than the median annual salary of $86,160 for the region, it marks a solid entry point for new graduates. Over the first few years, salary growth is realistic as professionals can expect to progress from the entry-level pay through various tiers, ultimately aiming for the median. The local market suggests that there is viability for new graduates, particularly as demand for healthcare continues to rise, making Cleburne a reasonable starting ground for aspiring ultrasound technologists.

About the Cleburne Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Cleburne

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$62,578/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$72,413/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$86,160/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$95,005/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleburne

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Cleburne. The median salary is $86,160, compared to the national median of $101,352.$56.3K$71.8K$87.4K$102.9K$118.4K$62.6K10th Pctl$72.4K25th Pctl$86.2KMedian$95.0K75th Pctl$112.7K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cleburne, TX typically start between $62,578 and $72,413 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,169 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,16014.99% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$25,000
Avg TX Program Cost
$62,578
Starting Salary
39.95%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 39.95% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($62,578/year) in Cleburne. 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 Cleburne

  • 1Research the Cleburne market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $62,578 to $72,413, 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 Cleburne, 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 Cleburne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Cleburne'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 Cleburne is $50,169 ( 80.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,578, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,747.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$46,404

2025 BLS Actual

$59,638

2026 Current Est.

$62,578

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cleburne (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 Cleburne. Baseline $46,404 in 2025, projected to $65,663 by 2027.$42.6K$49.3K$56.0K$62.8K$69.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$46.4K$47.3K$52.4K$54.0K$56.0K$58.7K$59.6K$62.6K$65.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$46,404Actual
2020$47,301Actual
2021$52,445Actual
2022$54,019Actual
2023$55,997Actual
2024$58,670Actual
2025$59,638Actual
2026(current)$62,578Estimated
2027$65,663Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cleburne, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,404 in 2019 to $59,638 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,663. New graduates entering the Cleburne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Cleburne typically include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively recruit entry-level ultrasound technologists, providing strong structured onboarding programs. For those looking to boost their new grad ultrasound technologist pay in TX, obtaining state licensure, along with optional advanced certifications recognized nationally, can significantly impact starting salaries. In the initial years, it's beneficial to expand your skill set through continuous education and training that will equip you for varied job roles. Over the first three years, new professionals might see salary advancements that reflect the typical variations associated with employer types and geographic markets, as well as their individual credential mix. This strategy can enhance earning potential and facilitate upward mobility in a dynamic healthcare landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cleburne start at approximately $62,578/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 $30.09/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 Cleburne?

Most ultrasound technologists in Cleburne progress from the entry-level salary of $62,578 to the area median of $86,160 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $112,747 (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 Cleburne?

With a starting salary of $62,578/year in Cleburne 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 Cleburne?

New medical imaging graduates in Cleburne typically start near the 10th percentile at $62,578/year, or approximately $30.09/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 Texas?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Texas, 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 Texas, 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 Texas

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Cleburne 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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