Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in San Antonio, TX: $65,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the San Antonio, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,392 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out San Antonio's local price level (BEA RPP 94.7 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,040 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,498) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting your career as an ultrasound technologist in San Antonio can yield a starting salary of approximately $65,392 in 2026, which can be viewed as a stepping stone toward a more lucrative career path. This entry-level pay is lower than the city’s median annual salary of $88,498, illustrating a gap that new graduates can expect to bridge over time. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, early-career professionals will find themselves advancing through pay brackets within the first few years, potentially moving from the 10th percentile up through the 25th percentile and closer to the median as they gain experience and expertise. San Antonio's healthcare market provides opportunities as local institutions seek to integrate newly licensed technologists who have freshly honed skills.
Career Earnings Timeline in San Antonio
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 San Antonio
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in San Antonio, TX typically start between $65,392 and $79,526 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,920 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,498 — 12.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 38.23% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($65,392/year) in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio
- 1Research the San Antonio market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $65,392 to $79,526, 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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5San Antonio'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 San Antonio is $41,920 ( 64.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,392, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,312.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,930
2025 BLS Actual
$62,320
2026 Current Est.
$65,392
2019–2027 Growth
+32.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in San Antonio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,616 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in San Antonio, TX grew 20.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,930 in 2019 to $62,320 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,616. New graduates entering the San Antonio job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Antonio 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 San Antonio
In San Antonio, major employers such as large hospital systems and established corporate group practices are willing to hire fresh graduates, often providing structured onboarding programs. For new grads in Texas, obtaining state licensure is crucial, and pursuing optional advanced certifications from recognized professional organizations can further enhance starting ultrasound technologist pay in TX. New professionals can expect their salary growth to reflect their employer type and the specific credentials they hold, with initial years yielding gradual increases as they gain practical experience and may even surpass entry-level pay rates. Creating a strategic plan focusing on skill development and certifications will benefit those aspiring to a successful long-term career in this competitive market.
More salary data for San Antonio, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in San Antonio in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in San Antonio?
Is medical imaging school worth it in San Antonio?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in San Antonio?
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 San Antonio. 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