Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Redmond, WA: $76,869 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Redmond, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,869 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 107.47% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,573 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,968) within a few years of clinical practice.

$76,869
Starting Salary
$36.96/hr
Starting Hourly
$76,869
Entry Level
$112,968
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Redmond, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Redmond, WA ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates stepping into the role of an ultrasound technologist in Redmond, Washington, can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary of about $76,869 in 2026. While this initial pay falls significantly below the city's overall median annual salary of $112,968, it reflects a typical entry-level range in a city with a high cost of living index. Early-career professionals often see salary growth as they gain experience and skills, with expected increases that could position them around $91,384 after a few years. Given Redmond's active healthcare market, this entry-level opportunity for ultrasound technologists is promising, particularly as it exhibits a forecasted growth rate of 4.93% annually. New graduates may find themselves in a supportive environment that can enhance their skills and lead to further salary increases over time.

About the Redmond Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$76,869/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$91,384/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$112,968/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$121,834/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redmond

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Redmond. The median salary is $112,968, compared to the national median of $101,352.$69.2K$92.9K$116.7K$140.5K$164.2K$76.9K10th Pctl$91.4K25th Pctl$113.0KMedian$121.8K75th Pctl$156.4K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Redmond, WA typically start between $76,869 and $91,384 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $79,525 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,96811.46% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Redmond metro area.

Return on Investment

$32,000
Avg WA Program Cost
$76,869
Starting Salary
41.63%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 41.63% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($76,869/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond

  • 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $76,869 to $91,384, 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $79,525 ( 103.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,869, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,394.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$57,000

2025 BLS Actual

$73,257

2026 Current Est.

$76,869

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Redmond (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Redmond. Baseline $57,000 in 2025, projected to $80,658 by 2027.$51.5K$61.1K$70.8K$80.4K$90.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.0K$58.1K$64.4K$66.4K$68.8K$84.5K$73.3K$76.9K$80.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$57,000Actual
2020$58,102Actual
2021$64,421Actual
2022$66,355Actual
2023$68,785Actual
2024$84,505Actual
2025$73,257Actual
2026(current)$76,869Estimated
2027$80,658Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,000 in 2019 to $73,257 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,658. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Redmond

In Redmond, major employers such as large hospital systems and established corporate group practices often prioritize hiring new graduates for their structured onboarding programs. These work environments not only provide essential hands-on experience but also help new technologists build confidence in their skills. To boost starting pay in Washington, obtaining state licensure combined with versatile certifications recognized by the national body can be a strategic approach. Understanding that compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer and the applicant's credential mix is vital for new technologists aiming for higher pay. During the first three years, realistic salary growth can be anticipated as new ultrasound technologists gain experience, advancing from entry-level pay towards more competitive figures—paving the way for a rewarding career in a strong market like Redmond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Redmond in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Redmond start at approximately $76,869/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $36.96/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Redmond?

Most ultrasound technologists in Redmond progress from the entry-level salary of $76,869 to the area median of $112,968 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $156,394 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Redmond?

With a starting salary of $76,869/year in Redmond and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Redmond?

New medical imaging graduates in Redmond typically start near the 10th percentile at $76,869/year, or approximately $36.96/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Washington?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Washington, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Washington, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Washington

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Redmond is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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