Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Kent, WA: $80,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Kent, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,469 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kent's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,925 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,874) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Kent, Washington, the starting pay they can expect aligns closely with local economic conditions. In 2026, entry-level positions for ultrasound technologists reflect an initial salary starting around $80,469. This amount is notably below the city's median salary of $112,874, indicating that new professionals may need to manage their expectations as they begin their careers. However, with experience, graduates can realistically anticipate movement toward the first quartile salary of $94,325 within a few years, suggesting potential income growth as they transition from educational settings into the workforce. Given the current local demand and the growth trajectory in healthcare, Kent remains a promising market for new ultrasound technologists looking to make their mark.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kent
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 Kent
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Kent, WA typically start between $80,469 and $94,325 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,331 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,874 — 11.37% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 39.77% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($80,469/year) in Kent. 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 Kent
- 1Research the Kent market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $80,469 to $94,325, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kent, 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 Kent for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kent'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 Kent is $78,331 ( 97.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,469, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,800.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,670
2025 BLS Actual
$76,688
2026 Current Est.
$80,469
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,007 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,688 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,436 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kent, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,670 in 2019 to $76,688 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,436. New graduates entering the Kent job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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 Kent
Looking at the employment landscape in Kent, there are numerous institutions that actively seek to hire new graduates. Major hospital systems and corporate group practices often have programs designed for structured onboarding, allowing entry-level ultrasound technologists to ease into their roles. To boost starting pay, obtaining relevant credentials, including state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized nationally, can be beneficial. During the first few years, compensation can vary significantly depending on the mix of employer type and credentialing. New grads can expect their pay to increase incrementally over the first three years, capitalizing on experience and continued education, thereby creating a solid foundation in their professional journey in WA's healthcare sector.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Kent in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Kent?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Kent?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Kent?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Kent. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kent 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