Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Texarkana, TX: $63,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,588 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 84.0 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,689 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,449) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduating as an ultrasound technologist in 2026 opens the door to promising earning opportunities in Texarkana. The starting ultrasound technologist salary in Texarkana is projected to be $63,588, significantly lower than the city's overall median salary for the position, which stands at $87,449. For new graduates, this gap emphasizes the importance of gaining experience quickly, as those who remain in the field can expect to see their salaries rise from $78,330 within a few years before reaching the median level. Given the current projected growth rate of 4.93% in this profession, Texarkana offers a relatively stable market for entry-level positions. With a cost of living index below the national average, new graduates may find that their starting pay goes further in this region.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
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 Texarkana
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Texarkana, TX typically start between $63,588 and $78,330 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,537 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,449 — 13.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 39.32% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($63,588/year) in Texarkana. 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 Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $63,588 to $78,330, 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 Texarkana, 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 Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana'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 Texarkana is $39,537 ( 62.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,588, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,125.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,152
2025 BLS Actual
$60,600
2026 Current Est.
$63,588
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,152 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,722 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,152 in 2019 to $60,600 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,722. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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 Texarkana
Employers in Texarkana typically include large hospitals and corporate medical group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs for new grads. These institutions recognize the value of entry-level technologists and provide hands-on training, making them ideal starting points for recent graduates. Obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing additional certifications can further enhance earning potential, particularly with increasing demand for specialized ultrasound services. During the initial 1-3 years in the field, salary growth can vary significantly, depending on the employer type and the credentials. New professionals might see their pay increase as they gain expertise and experience, potentially reaching higher earnings within this competitive market.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Texarkana in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Texarkana?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Texarkana?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Texarkana?
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 Texarkana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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