Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Houston, TX: $74,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Houston, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,868 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Houston's local price level (BEA RPP 98.6 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,909 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,788) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Houston, TX, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $74,868 in 2026. This figure highlights the initial financial position for those looking to begin their careers in this healthcare segment, which remains lower than the city's median annual salary of $99,788. Over the first few years, new ultrasound technologists can realistically anticipate movement through the salary tiers, potentially reaching approximately $86,158 after gaining experience. With a projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, Houston's healthcare market appears favorable for recent graduates, offering opportunities for skill development and income advancement over time.
Career Earnings Timeline in Houston
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 Houston
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Houston, TX typically start between $74,868 and $86,158 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,872 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,788 — 1.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 33.39% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($74,868/year) in Houston. 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 Houston
- 1Research the Houston market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $74,868 to $86,158, 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 Houston, 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 Houston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Houston'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 Houston is $36,872 ( 49.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,868, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,740.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,870
2025 BLS Actual
$71,350
2026 Current Est.
$74,868
2019–2027 Growth
+45.8%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,559 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Houston, TX grew 32.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,870 in 2019 to $71,350 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,559. New graduates entering the Houston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston 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 Houston
In Houston, several large hospital systems and corporate group practices are known to actively hire new grads in the ultrasound technologist field. These employers typically provide structured onboarding processes, which can significantly enhance the transition from academic training to practical, on-the-job experience. To maximize starting salaries in Texas, candidates should seek state licensure along with optional advanced certifications that are recognized nationally. In the first three years of employment, ultrasound technologists may find their pay varies widely depending on employer type, geographic market, and credentialing. Salary growth expectations during these initial years can lead to substantial increases, as entry-level positions often eclipse the $86,158 mark swiftly as professionals gain experience and certification.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Houston in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Houston?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Houston?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Houston?
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 Houston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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