Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Missouri City, TX: $59,379 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Missouri City, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,379 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Missouri City's local price level (BEA RPP 96.04% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,853 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,791) within a few years of clinical practice.

$59,379
Starting Salary
$28.55/hr
Starting Hourly
$59,379
Entry Level
$86,791
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Starting out as an ultrasound technologist in Missouri City, TX, offers a clear path for new graduates. In 2026, the entry-level salary for this role is projected at $59,379, significantly below the overall median salary of $86,791 for all ultrasound technologists in the area. This gap presents a realistic expectation as new grads begin their careers, emphasizing the initial financial challenges they may face. However, there is room for growth; with dedication and experience, one can progress from this starting point to the $70,450 range within the first few years. The local job market shows positive signs for new graduates, as Missouri City is experiencing a steady growth trajectory in the healthcare sector, suggesting entry-level positions should remain accessible.

About the Missouri City Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Missouri City

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$59,379/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$70,450/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$86,791/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$93,844/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missouri City

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Missouri City. The median salary is $86,791, compared to the national median of $101,352.$53.4K$71.7K$90.0K$108.3K$126.6K$59.4K10th Pctl$70.5K25th Pctl$86.8KMedian$93.8K75th Pctl$120.6K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Missouri City, TX typically start between $59,379 and $70,450 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,178 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,79114.37% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$25,000
Avg TX Program Cost
$59,379
Starting Salary
42.10%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 42.10% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($59,379/year) in Missouri City. 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 Missouri City

  • 1Research the Missouri City market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $59,379 to $70,450, 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 Missouri City, 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 Missouri City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Missouri City'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 Missouri City is $61,178 ( 103.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,379, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,557.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$44,031

2025 BLS Actual

$56,589

2026 Current Est.

$59,379

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Missouri City (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 Missouri City. Baseline $44,031 in 2025, projected to $62,306 by 2027.$40.4K$46.8K$53.2K$59.6K$66.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$44.0K$44.9K$49.8K$51.3K$53.1K$55.7K$56.6K$59.4K$62.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$44,031Actual
2020$44,882Actual
2021$49,764Actual
2022$51,257Actual
2023$53,135Actual
2024$55,722Actual
2025$56,589Actual
2026(current)$59,379Estimated
2027$62,306Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Missouri City, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,031 in 2019 to $56,589 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,306. New graduates entering the Missouri City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Missouri City, a variety of employers actively engage new ultrasound technologist graduates, with large hospital systems and corporate practices offering structured onboarding programs aimed at fostering professional development. Attaining state licensure is essential for new practitioners, while optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can enhance starting pay in Texas. The first one to three years of an ultrasound technologist's career often involve a strategic approach to career advancement. Salary growth can vary significantly between employers, geographic locations, and the credentials an individual holds. It’s realistic for a new grad entering the workforce to expect noticeable salary increases as they gain experience and further credentials, aligning with the area's competitive pay landscape and the continued demand for healthcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Missouri City in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Missouri City start at approximately $59,379/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 $28.55/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 Missouri City?

Most ultrasound technologists in Missouri City progress from the entry-level salary of $59,379 to the area median of $86,791 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $120,557 (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 Missouri City?

With a starting salary of $59,379/year in Missouri City 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 Missouri City?

New medical imaging graduates in Missouri City typically start near the 10th percentile at $59,379/year, or approximately $28.55/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 Missouri City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Missouri City 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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