Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Kirkland, WA: $76,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Kirkland, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,116 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kirkland's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,872 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,690) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the workforce as an ultrasound technologist in Kirkland, Washington, offers promising prospects for new graduates. In 2026, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Kirkland is projected to start at around $76,116, which is significantly below the city median salary of $112,690. However, there is a clear path for growth: within the first few years, pay can climb to approximately $90,823 at the 25th percentile and continue to progress toward the median as experience and skills develop. This upward trajectory indicates that Kirkland is a favorable market for newcomers in the field, particularly for those who are proactive in seeking employment opportunities.
About the Kirkland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kirkland
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 Kirkland
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Kirkland, WA typically start between $76,116 and $90,823 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,815 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,690 — 11.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 42.04% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($76,116/year) in Kirkland. 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 Kirkland
- 1Research the Kirkland market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $76,116 to $90,823, 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 Kirkland, 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 Kirkland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kirkland'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 Kirkland is $71,815 ( 94.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,116, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,931.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,443
2025 BLS Actual
$72,540
2026 Current Est.
$76,116
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,443 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,534 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,112 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,699 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,869 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kirkland, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,443 in 2019 to $72,540 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,869. New graduates entering the Kirkland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkland 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 Kirkland
To capitalize on the entry-level opportunities, prospective ultrasound technologists in Kirkland should consider the types of employers that are most likely to hire new graduates. Larger hospitals and corporate healthcare systems frequently offer structured onboarding programs that ease the transition from school to practice, making them ideal first employers. Holding state licensure is essential, and pursuing additional certifications can further elevate starting pay. In the competitive hiring landscape, compensation may vary based on employer type, geographic market, and professional credentials. Expect realistic salary growth to be in the range of $90,000 to $115,000 within the first three years of employment, aligning closely with the expansion of skills and responsibilities in the role.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Kirkland in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Kirkland?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Kirkland?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Kirkland?
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 Kirkland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kirkland 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