Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Puyallup, WA: $80,952 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Puyallup, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,952 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Puyallup's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,374 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,272) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Puyallup, Washington, should anticipate a starting salary around $80,952 in 2026. While this entry-level figure is less than the city median annual salary of $108,272, it serves as a solid foundation for growth within the profession. Over the first few years, many new technologists can expect to move toward the 25th percentile salary of $92,623 as they gain experience and enhance their skills. In a market that shows promise, Puyallup offers a competitive landscape for aspiring ultrasound technologists, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.93% providing numerous opportunities for advancement in this well-regarded healthcare role.
About the Puyallup Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Puyallup
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 Puyallup
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Puyallup, WA typically start between $80,952 and $92,623 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,823 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,272 — 6.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 39.53% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($80,952/year) in Puyallup. 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 Puyallup
- 1Research the Puyallup market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $80,952 to $92,623, 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 Puyallup, 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 Puyallup for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Puyallup'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 Puyallup is $59,823 ( 73.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,952, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,775.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,029
2025 BLS Actual
$77,149
2026 Current Est.
$80,952
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,029 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,844 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,952 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,943 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Puyallup, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,029 in 2019 to $77,149 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,943. New graduates entering the Puyallup job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Puyallup 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 Puyallup
Employers in Puyallup, such as larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively seek to hire new graduates and often offer structured onboarding programs that can ease the transition into the workforce. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by a national body can be pivotal during the initial years in the field. Understanding that compensation can vary based on employer type and geographic location will also be beneficial for new ultrasound technologists navigating their early careers. Furthermore, realistic salary growth within the first three years can lead to increased earnings as technologists progress, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and professional development for those beginning their journey in this field in Puyallup.
More salary data for Puyallup, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Puyallup. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Puyallup 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