Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Longview, WA: $76,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Longview, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,206 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,955 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,273) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Longview, Washington, can anticipate a starting ultrasound technologist salary of around $76,206 in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $110,273, which illustrates the initial gap emerging professionals may face as they begin their careers. However, there is potential for growth within the first few years; as new technologists gain experience, their earnings can increase to approximately $90,068, placing them closer to the median over a period of 3-5 years. The favorable growth rate of 4.93% also indicates that Longview is a promising market for new graduates, providing a stable trajectory for early-career professionals looking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Longview, WA typically start between $76,206 and $90,068 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,073 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,273 — 8.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 41.99% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($76,206/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $76,206 to $90,068, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $71,073 ( 93.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,206, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,279.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,509
2025 BLS Actual
$72,626
2026 Current Est.
$76,206
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,509 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,783 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,193 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,963 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,509 in 2019 to $72,626 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,963. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
Employers in Longview that are enthusiastic about hiring entry-level ultrasound technologists often encompass large hospital systems and corporate practices that prioritize structured onboarding processes for new hires. To enhance their starting pay in WA, graduates should consider obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized by the industry’s national body, which can significantly improve job prospects. In the first 1-3 years, technologists should be prepared for varying compensation, heavily influenced by employer type and geographic market nuances. Generally, realistic expectations for salary growth during these initial years can often lead to a better financial situation, given that compensation tends to improve with demonstrated skills and additional credentials. Therefore, focusing on professional development early on can set the foundation for a successful career in ultrasound technology in Longview.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Longview in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Longview?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Longview?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Longview?
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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longview 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