Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cottonwood Heights, UT: $69,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Cottonwood Heights, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,215 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cottonwood Heights's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,556 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,766) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as an ultrasound technologist in Cottonwood Heights, UT, the entry-level pay offers a competitive starting point. Fresh graduates can anticipate beginning salaries around $69,215 in 2026, which positions them lower than the city’s median salary of $97,766. However, this initial figure represents just the start, as there’s substantial upward mobility within the field. Over the first few years, entry-level technologists can realistically aim for salaries that reach around $80,843, moving toward the median as they gain experience. With a projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, Cottonwood Heights appears to be a supportive market for new professionals, providing opportunities for swift advancement as they establish themselves in the workforce.
About the Cottonwood Heights Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cottonwood Heights
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 Cottonwood Heights
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cottonwood Heights, UT typically start between $69,215 and $80,843 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,611 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,766 — 3.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Utah of $24,000 represents just 34.67% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($69,215/year) in Cottonwood Heights. 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 Cottonwood Heights
- 1Research the Cottonwood Heights market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $69,215 to $80,843, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cottonwood Heights, 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 Cottonwood Heights for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cottonwood Heights'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 Cottonwood Heights is $56,611 ( 81.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,215, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,826.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,325
2025 BLS Actual
$65,963
2026 Current Est.
$69,215
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cottonwood Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,325 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,317 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,936 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,963 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,627 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights, UT grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,325 in 2019 to $65,963 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,627. New graduates entering the Cottonwood Heights job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottonwood Heights 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 Cottonwood Heights
Employers in Cottonwood Heights that hire entry-level ultrasound technologists typically include reputable hospital systems and established corporate practices, both known for their structured onboarding processes. This emphasis on thorough training can help new graduates transition smoothly into their roles. Credentials play a vital role in shaping salary trajectories. In addition to state licensure, pursuing advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can lead to higher pay and better job prospects. Within the first one to three years, salary growth expectations are optimistic; with experience and continuing education, entry-level technologists can expect to bridge the gap to the higher salary tiers available in the region. Taking strategic steps during these early career years can set the foundation for a fulfilling and lucrative career in healthcare.
More salary data for Cottonwood Heights, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Cottonwood Heights in 2026?
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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 Cottonwood Heights. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cottonwood Heights 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