Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Lakewood, WA: $74,033 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Lakewood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,033 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,932 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,722) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the initial pay as an entry-level ultrasound technologist in Lakewood, WA, is projected to start around $74,033 annually in 2026. While this may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $111,722, early-career professionals can anticipate a growth trajectory that leads to higher earnings within a few years. Those entering at the 25th percentile can expect salaries of approximately $95,588, indicating a potential for financial progress as experience and expertise increase. The Lakewood market currently shows promise for new graduates, as the projected growth rate of 4.93% annually allows newcomers the opportunity to establish a stable career in a growing profession.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Lakewood, WA typically start between $74,033 and $95,588 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,152 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,722 — 10.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 43.22% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($74,033/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $74,033 to $95,588, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $78,152 ( 105.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,033, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,185.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,898
2025 BLS Actual
$70,555
2026 Current Est.
$74,033
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,898 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,045 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,248 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,555 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,033 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,683 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,898 in 2019 to $70,555 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,683. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, various employers, such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively recruit new graduates armed with the right educational backgrounds. These employers typically offer structured onboarding programs aimed at helping entry-level ultrasound technologists transition smoothly into their roles. To enhance starting pay in Washington, pursuing state licensure and obtaining optional advanced certifications can provide a competitive advantage. For first-year professionals, it is realistic to anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain valuable experience and further credentials. Specifically, they may see compensation rise significantly during their first three years, depending on the type of employer and regional demand for services. Those willing to invest in their ongoing education and refine their skills will likely reap the benefits of higher-than-average salaries in the long run.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Lakewood in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Lakewood?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Lakewood?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Lakewood?
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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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