Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Temple, TX: $62,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Temple, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,882 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Temple's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,502 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,826) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Temple, TX, can anticipate a starting salary around $62,882 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions, it is crucial to recognize that the median annual salary for experienced ultrasound technologists in the city is projected at $85,826. This creates a noticeable gap, highlighting the salary growth potential as new professionals advance in their careers. Over the first three to five years, entry-level technologists may expect their salaries to rise toward and beyond $72,790 as they gain experience and additional skills. In terms of market conditions, Temple currently offers a supportive environment for new graduates, as local healthcare systems are actively seeking fresh talent to fill these essential roles.
About the Temple Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Temple
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 Temple
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Temple, TX typically start between $62,882 and $72,790 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,958 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,826 — 15.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 39.76% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($62,882/year) in Temple. 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 Temple
- 1Research the Temple market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $62,882 to $72,790, 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 Temple, 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 Temple for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Temple'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 Temple is $52,958 ( 84.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,882, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,840.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,629
2025 BLS Actual
$59,928
2026 Current Est.
$62,882
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,531 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,388 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,983 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Temple, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,629 in 2019 to $59,928 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,983. New graduates entering the Temple job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temple 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 Temple
In Temple, major employers are typically large hospital systems and established corporate group practices, many of which have structured onboarding programs for new graduates. Securing a position with these organizations can lead to a more favorable starting pay for new grad ultrasound technologists. To enhance earning potential, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications from the profession's national body can be beneficial. In the first three years, entry-level salaries may fluctuate based on the type of employer and the geographic market, but many professionals begin to see a reasonable increase commensurate with experience. New graduates can realistically expect their pay to align with the market's average growth rate of 4.93% annually, positioning them for better opportunities as they develop their careers in Temple and beyond.
More salary data for Temple, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Temple in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Temple?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Temple?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Temple?
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 Temple. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Temple 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