Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Richland, WA: $77,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Richland, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,877 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richland's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,511 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,391) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the healthcare workforce as ultrasound technologists in Richland, WA, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $77,877 in 2026. When compared to the city’s median annual salary of $111,391, this starting pay may seem modest, but it reflects the entry-level nature of the role. Over the first few years, as new technologists gain experience, salaries can progress notably. Graduates can expect to see pay increase to approximately $91,669 after a couple of years and realistically approach the median as they complete additional training and gain clinical competencies. With a steady growth trajectory of about 4.93% annually, Richland presents a solid job market for new grads, particularly given the increasing demand for healthcare services.
About the Richland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richland
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 Richland
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Richland, WA typically start between $77,877 and $91,669 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,511 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,391 — 9.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 41.09% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($77,877/year) in Richland. 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 Richland
- 1Research the Richland market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $77,877 to $91,669, 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 Richland, 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 Richland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richland'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 Richland is $67,511 ( 86.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,877, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,388.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,748
2025 BLS Actual
$74,218
2026 Current Est.
$77,877
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,748 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,864 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,225 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,755 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,716 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Richland, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,748 in 2019 to $74,218 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,716. New graduates entering the Richland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richland 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 Richland
Employers in Richland that are inclined to hire entry-level ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, known for their structured onboarding programs tailored for new graduates. Becoming licensed in Washington is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can significantly enhance initial pay prospects. In the first three years, new graduates should focus on gaining diverse experience, as compensation can vary widely based on employer type and geographical differences. As they establish themselves, entry-level technologists in Richland can expect their salaries to provide a stable increase, moving toward the levels seen in more experienced professionals. This strategy, combined with ongoing education and specialized training, will be crucial as they navigate their careers in this growing field.
More salary data for Richland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Richland in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Richland?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Richland?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Richland?
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 Richland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richland 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