Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $83,094 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Lake Stevens, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,094 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lake Stevens's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,369 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,360) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Lake Stevens, WA, is projected to be around $83,094 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $109,360, which illustrates the gap that exists for new professionals. However, entry-level technologists can expect a growth trajectory in their initial years, moving from the P10 level up to the P25 at $94,876 and potentially reaching the median within three to five years of experience. Given these figures, Lake Stevens presents a favorable market for new graduates, especially considering the projected annual growth rate of 4.93% in the field.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lake Stevens
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 Lake Stevens
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Lake Stevens, WA typically start between $83,094 and $94,876 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,463 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,360 — 7.9% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 38.51% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($83,094/year) in Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens
- 1Research the Lake Stevens market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $83,094 to $94,876, 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 Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens is $54,463 ( 65.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,094, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,557.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,617
2025 BLS Actual
$79,190
2026 Current Est.
$83,094
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,808 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,729 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,356 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,122 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,094 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,191 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lake Stevens, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,617 in 2019 to $79,190 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,191. New graduates entering the Lake Stevens job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, established hospital systems and corporate healthcare practices are typically the main employers of new grads. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs that support fresh entrants into the profession. To bolster earning potential, obtaining state licensure along with advanced certifications from recognized professional bodies can make candidates more competitive. Early in their careers, ultrasound technologists should aim to gain a diverse range of experiences, as compensation can vary widely based on employer type and geographic area. Realistically, new graduates might see salary increases within the first three years as they build their skills and credentials, further enhancing their value in the job market.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Lake Stevens in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Lake Stevens?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Lake Stevens?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Lake Stevens?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Washington?
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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 Lake Stevens. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Stevens 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