Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Highland, UT: $66,458 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Highland, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,458 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Highland's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,745 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,569) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Although the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Highland, UT, is projected to be around $66,458 in 2026, recent graduates can expect their initial pay to be competitive given the city's median annual salary of $93,569. This represents a significant gap between entry-level and median earnings, suggesting that early career professionals may need to gain experience to reach higher compensation levels. Over the first few years, as entry-level technologists progress from this starting salary to about $82,934, they can anticipate a solid growth trajectory, reflecting the field’s expanding opportunities. With the projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Highland is positioned as a favorable market for new graduates eager to enter the healthcare sector as ultrasound technologists.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Highland
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 Highland
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Highland, UT typically start between $66,458 and $82,934 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,314 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,569 — 7.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Utah of $24,000 represents just 36.11% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($66,458/year) in Highland. 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 Highland
- 1Research the Highland market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $66,458 to $82,934, 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 Highland, 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 Highland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Highland'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 Highland is $48,314 ( 72.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,458, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,772.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,281
2025 BLS Actual
$63,336
2026 Current Est.
$66,458
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Highland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,281 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,234 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,368 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,458 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,735 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Highland, UT grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,281 in 2019 to $63,336 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,735. New graduates entering the Highland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Highland 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 Highland
In Highland, large hospital systems and corporate group practices are typically the primary employers for new ultrasound technologists, offering structured onboarding programs that facilitate smooth transitions for recent graduates into the workforce. To enhance starting pay, securing state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body can be advantageous. Within the first three years of their careers, ultrasound technologists can expect gradual salary increases that reflect both their growing experience and the type of facility in which they work. Compensation can vary widely based on employer type, geographic factors, and the mix of credentials. Therefore, new graduates should strategize their job search and continuing education to maximize their earning potential and career growth in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Highland, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Highland in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Highland?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Highland?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Highland?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Utah?
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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 Highland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Highland 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