Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pasco, WA: $79,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Pasco, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,731 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasco's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,237 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,326) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as an ultrasound technologist in Pasco, WA, new graduates can anticipate a starting salary around $79,731 in 2026. This figure sits below the city's median annual salary of $110,326, indicating a gap many in the field will work to close in their early years. Entry-level technologists can expect to see growth potential as they accumulate experience, moving from the beginning salary toward the 25th percentile, which is approximately $92,741, within just a few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Pasco currently presents a favorable market for fresh graduates, making it an ideal location for those launching their careers in medical imaging.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasco
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 Pasco
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pasco, WA typically start between $79,731 and $92,741 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,515 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,326 — 8.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 40.13% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($79,731/year) in Pasco. 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 Pasco
- 1Research the Pasco market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $79,731 to $92,741, 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 Pasco, 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 Pasco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pasco'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 Pasco is $67,515 ( 84.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,731, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,246.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,123
2025 BLS Actual
$75,985
2026 Current Est.
$79,731
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,123 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,826 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,486 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,662 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pasco, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,123 in 2019 to $75,985 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,662. New graduates entering the Pasco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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 Pasco
In Pasco, various healthcare institutions actively recruit new ultrasound technologists, especially large hospital systems and group practices known for their structured onboarding programs. These environments provide essential training that can significantly enhance the entry-level new grad ultrasound technologist pay in WA. Pursuing essential credentials, including state licensure, along with optional advanced certifications, can lead to higher starting pay and broaden career opportunities. Early-career ultrasound technologists should focus on building their skills and seeking positions that provide exposure to a variety of diagnostic techniques. Most notably, realistic salary growth in the initial years can be influenced by employer type and geographic factors, with many professionals seeing their compensation advance steadily as they gain expertise and credibility in this vital healthcare role.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Pasco in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Pasco?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Pasco?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Pasco?
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 Pasco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasco 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