Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Newport News, VA: $67,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Newport News, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,089 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Newport News's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,009 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,703) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Newport News, VA, can expect a starting salary of around $67,089 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $92,703 for ultrasound technologists in the city, indicating a gap of over $25,000 as new professionals embark on their careers. However, the potential for salary growth exists as early-career technologists can reasonably expect to see their earnings rise through experiences and skill enhancements, with projections indicating movement to $78,508 at the 25th percentile after a few years in the workforce. Given the robust demand for healthcare professionals in Newport News, the market offers a favorable landscape for new ultrasound technologists, making it a promising city for graduates entering this field.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Newport News
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 Newport News
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Newport News, VA typically start between $67,089 and $78,508 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,667 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,703 — 8.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Virginia of $28,000 represents just 41.74% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($67,089/year) in Newport News. 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 Newport News
- 1Research the Newport News market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $67,089 to $78,508, 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 Newport News, 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 Newport News for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Newport News'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 Newport News is $61,667 ( 91.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,089, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,756.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,749
2025 BLS Actual
$63,937
2026 Current Est.
$67,089
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,749 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,225 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,913 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,034 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,937 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,397 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Newport News, VA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,749 in 2019 to $63,937 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,397. New graduates entering the Newport News job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News 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 Newport News
Large healthcare providers and hospital systems in Newport News are among the primary employers hiring newly graduated ultrasound technologists. These organizations often have structured onboarding and training programs, which can provide significant support to those just starting their careers. Additionally, pursuing state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can improve a new technologist's earning potential. Within the first three years, an ultrasound technologist can expect to see salary increases based on their experience level, the type of employer, and the geographic market in which they work. Overall, embracing continued education and gaining diverse experiences can help propel early-career professionals towards competitive pay that aligns more closely with the region's median salaries.
More salary data for Newport News, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Newport News in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Newport News?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Newport News?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Newport News?
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 Newport News. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newport News 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