Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Hampton, VA: $65,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Hampton, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,598 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hampton's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,564 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,885) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field of ultrasound technology in Hampton, Virginia, can expect a starting salary around $65,598. This entry-level figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $91,885, yet it provides a realistic entry point for new graduates. Over the first few years of their careers, many can anticipate salaries progressing up to $76,855 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. Hampton represents a viable market for new ultrasound technologists, with a projected growth rate of 4.93% in the coming years, indicating an encouraging landscape for those just starting their professional journeys in this healthcare sector.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hampton
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 Hampton
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Hampton, VA typically start between $65,598 and $76,855 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,374 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,885 — 9.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Virginia of $28,000 represents just 42.68% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($65,598/year) in Hampton. 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 Hampton
- 1Research the Hampton market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $65,598 to $76,855, 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 Hampton, 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 Hampton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hampton'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 Hampton is $60,374 ( 92.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,598, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,972.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,643
2025 BLS Actual
$62,516
2026 Current Est.
$65,598
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,583 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,626 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,231 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,516 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,832 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hampton, VA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,643 in 2019 to $62,516 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,832. New graduates entering the Hampton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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 Hampton
In Hampton, major employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices are key to employing new graduates in the ultrasound technology field. These organizations often have structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smoother transition for fresh graduates into the workforce. To enhance their entry-level ultrasound technologist pay in VA, new professionals should aim to obtain state licensure and pursue additional certifications recognized by industry standards. This proactive approach can lead to higher starting salaries and open up further career advancements. In the critical first few years, compensation can vary significantly based on the type of employer and geographic factors. New graduates can realistically expect their pay to grow steadily as they gain experience and possibly move toward more rewarding positions.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Hampton in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Hampton?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Hampton?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Hampton?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Virginia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Hampton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton 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