Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Longview, TX: $68,698 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Longview, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,698 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 89.5 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,770 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,809) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Longview, Texas can expect a starting salary around $68,698, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $86,809. For new professionals, this gap indicates that while initial earnings may be modest, there is a clear trajectory for growth into higher pay brackets. Over the first three to five years, many will see their salaries climb as they gain experience and skills, with the 25th percentile earning about $77,470 as a benchmark for newly established technicians. Given the projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, Longview presents a favorable market for recent graduates looking to enter the ultrasound technology field, especially as they seek to build upon their education and start their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Longview, TX typically start between $68,698 and $77,470 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,580 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,809 — 14.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 36.39% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($68,698/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $68,698 to $77,470, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $32,580 ( 47.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,698, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,278.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,440
2025 BLS Actual
$65,470
2026 Current Est.
$68,698
2019–2027 Growth
+62.2%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,698 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,084 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, TX grew 47.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,440 in 2019 to $65,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,084. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
In Longview, employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively hire new graduates and provide structured onboarding programs, making them prime opportunities for entry-level ultrasound technologists. To enhance earning potential, obtaining state licensure is essential, and aspiring technologists may also consider pursuing optional advanced certifications that are acknowledged nationally. Such credentials can lead to better starting pay in Texas, reflecting the growing demand for qualified professionals. New grads can typically experience salary growth from their first to third years, particularly if they gain experience in diverse clinical settings or specialize in advanced imaging techniques. Understanding that compensation can fluctuate widely based on employer type and geographic factors will better position these early-career professionals to optimize their entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Longview, TX.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Longview in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Longview?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Longview?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Longview?
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 Longview. 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