Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Alexandria, VA: $78,538 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Alexandria, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,538 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,103 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,548) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, new graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field can expect starting salaries to typically range around $78,538, reflecting the entry-level market for 2026. While this amount may initially seem modest compared to the overall city median of $109,548, it provides a solid foundation for recent graduates. Over the first few years of their careers, many ultrasound technologists can experience salary growth as they transition from entry-level at the P10 threshold through to the P25 level of about $91,962. Given the competitive healthcare landscape in Alexandria, the market appears favorable for new ultrasound technologist graduates, particularly as demand in the healthcare sector shows promising signs of growth.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
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 Alexandria
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Alexandria, VA typically start between $78,538 and $91,962 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,936 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,548 — 8.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Virginia of $28,000 represents just 35.65% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($78,538/year) in Alexandria. 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 Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $78,538 to $91,962, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria'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 Alexandria is $71,936 ( 91.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,538, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,474.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,238
2025 BLS Actual
$74,848
2026 Current Est.
$78,538
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,238 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,364 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,279 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,647 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,538 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,410 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, VA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,238 in 2019 to $74,848 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,410. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Several prominent employers in Alexandria actively seek to hire newly licensed ultrasound technologists, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often have established onboarding programs that support new graduates in making smooth transitions into their roles. To maximize starting pay in VA, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications can significantly enhance a candidate's marketability. In the first one to three years, those starting in the field might anticipate a gradual increase in their earnings, particularly as they gain relevant experience and additional credentials. As compensation can vary widely depending on the employer's structure and geographical influences, new professionals should focus on leveraging opportunities for professional development to improve their overall earnings potential in the long run.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Alexandria in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Alexandria?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Alexandria?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Alexandria?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Virginia?
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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 Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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