Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Burke, VA: $65,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Burke, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,051 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burke's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,034 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,837) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as an ultrasound technologist in Burke, Virginia, can open the door to competitive compensation. In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Burke is anticipated to begin around $65,051, which is notably lower than the city median of $90,837. However, after gaining experience and skills over the first few years, new graduates can realistically aim to reach $75,592 and eventually progress to the median salary, thanks to a healthy annual growth rate of 4.93%. Burke is currently a favorable market for new entrants into the field; while the starting pay might be on the lower end of the scale, the area’s healthcare demand and career advancement opportunities can create a solid platform for building a successful career in medical imaging.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burke
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 Burke
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Burke, VA typically start between $65,051 and $75,592 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,900 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,837 — 10.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Virginia of $28,000 represents just 43.04% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($65,051/year) in Burke. 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 Burke
- 1Research the Burke market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $65,051 to $75,592, 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 Burke, 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 Burke for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burke'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 Burke is $52,900 ( 81.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,051, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,951.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,238
2025 BLS Actual
$61,995
2026 Current Est.
$65,051
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,238 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,518 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,803 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,258 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burke, VA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,238 in 2019 to $61,995 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,258. New graduates entering the Burke job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke 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 Burke
Employers in Burke that typically hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs to facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce. New ultrasound technologists are encouraged to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized by the national body, as these credentials can significantly enhance their starting pay in Virginia. In the first three years, compensation can vary widely depending on the type of employer, geographic market, and the mix of credentials held. Realistically, as entry-level professionals develop their skills and gain experience, they can expect gradual salary increases that align with their growing expertise and patient care competencies in the local healthcare environment.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Burke in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Burke?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Burke?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Burke?
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 Burke. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burke 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