Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Nacogdoches, TX: $60,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Nacogdoches, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,234 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nacogdoches's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,744 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,260) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Nacogdoches, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be $60,234 in 2026. This amount is below the local median salary of $82,260, which indicates that entry-level professionals may expect a gap of approximately $22,000 as they begin their careers. However, the potential for growth is evident; as early-career technologists advance from entry-level positions, earnings can rise from the $60,234 starting point to around $67,668 at the 25th percentile, with even greater potential as they approach the median salary. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Nacogdoches offers a promising job market for newcomers to the field, making it an attractive place for those seeking opportunities as ultrasound technologists.
About the Nacogdoches Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nacogdoches
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 Nacogdoches
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Nacogdoches, TX typically start between $60,234 and $67,668 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,124 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,260 — 18.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 41.50% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,234/year) in Nacogdoches. 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 Nacogdoches
- 1Research the Nacogdoches market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,234 to $67,668, 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 Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nacogdoches'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 Nacogdoches is $45,124 ( 74.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,234, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,358.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,665
2025 BLS Actual
$57,404
2026 Current Est.
$60,234
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Nacogdoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,204 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Nacogdoches, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,665 in 2019 to $57,404 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,204. New graduates entering the Nacogdoches job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches
In Nacogdoches, employers like major hospital systems and corporate healthcare providers are key players hiring new grads. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding programs, which are essential for helping entry-level ultrasound technologists transition smoothly into their roles. New graduates should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body, as these credentials can enhance starting pay in Texas. During the first three years, salary growth can vary significantly based on the type of employer and the specific educational background of the technologist. Realistically, technologists could expect their salaries to progress steadily, leading to an increase that reflects their growing experience and additional certifications, putting them on a path toward higher earnings in this competitive field.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nacogdoches is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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