Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Lubbock, TX: $67,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Lubbock, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,911 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lubbock's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,368 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,036) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Lubbock, TX, can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary in the region of $67,911 for 2026. While this figure is slightly lower than the city’s median salary of $88,036, it sets a firm foundation as early-career professionals begin to build their experience. The potential for salary increases is promising; within the first few years, it's realistic for early-career technologists to see their pay rise to approximately $77,585, and further towards the median as they gain skills and expertise. With a projected growth rate of 4.93% annually in the field, Lubbock presents a favorable job market for new graduates, particularly given the city's relatively low cost of living index at 91.317, which allows for a comfortable lifestyle despite the starting pay.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lubbock
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 Lubbock
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Lubbock, TX typically start between $67,911 and $77,585 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,560 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,036 — 13.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 36.81% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($67,911/year) in Lubbock. 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 Lubbock
- 1Research the Lubbock market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $67,911 to $77,585, 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 Lubbock, 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 Lubbock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lubbock'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 Lubbock is $35,560 ( 52.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,911, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,471.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,440
2025 BLS Actual
$64,720
2026 Current Est.
$67,911
2019–2027 Growth
+53.4%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lubbock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,259 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lubbock, TX grew 39.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,440 in 2019 to $64,720 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,259. New graduates entering the Lubbock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lubbock 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 Lubbock
Several employers in Lubbock are known to actively recruit entry-level ultrasound technologists, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding and mentorship for newly licensed professionals. To enhance earning potential, obtaining additional credentials such as state licensure and optional advanced certifications can be beneficial for new grad ultrasound technologists in TX. Career strategy is crucial during the first three years, as salaries can vary widely depending on the type of employer and geographic area. Early on, practitioners might anticipate steady growth in their salaries, propelled not only by experience but also by investing in professional development and additional qualifications that align with market demand, setting a trajectory towards higher earning brackets as they transition into seasoned roles within the industry.
More salary data for Lubbock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lubbock. 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