Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Waco, TX: $69,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Waco, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,117 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waco's local price level (BEA RPP 92.5 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,681 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,038) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Waco, Texas, is projected to start at approximately $69,117. While this starting pay might seem modest, it represents a foundational step into a field that offers significant growth potential. With a median annual salary of $84,038 for ultrasound technologists in the city, new graduates can expect to see a income trajectory that allows for advancement as they gain experience. Within the first few years, those starting at $69,117 can realistically move towards the 25th percentile salary of $81,573, and ultimately approach the median as they solidify their skills and credentials. Given its competitive pay relative to other cities and the healthy growth rate of 4.93% in this profession, Waco stands out as an appealing market for new grads entering the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waco
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 Waco
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Waco, TX typically start between $69,117 and $81,573 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,801 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,038 — 17.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 36.17% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($69,117/year) in Waco. 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 Waco
- 1Research the Waco market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $69,117 to $81,573, 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 Waco, 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 Waco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waco'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 Waco is $42,801 ( 61.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,117, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,918.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,540
2025 BLS Actual
$65,870
2026 Current Est.
$69,117
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,525 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Waco, TX grew 18.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,540 in 2019 to $65,870 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,525. New graduates entering the Waco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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 Waco
To enhance their starting pay and opportunities, those entering the ultrasound profession in Waco should consider securing state licensure along with seeking advanced certifications recognized nationally. Key employers that actively recruit new graduates include major hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding programs, making the transition into the field smoother. It is vital for early-career ultrasound technologists to remain proactive in their professional development within the first three years, as compensation can vary widely depending on the type of facility and the areas of specialization. As entry-level professionals begin at a lower salary point, they can realistically anticipate upward mobility in their earnings as they accumulate experience, increasing their marketability in this vital sector of healthcare.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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