Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Seattle, WA: $63,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Seattle, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,934 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Seattle's local price level (BEA RPP 111.1 — 11% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,529 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,367) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduating as an ultrasound technologist in Seattle can lead to promising financial prospects, with an entry-level salary estimated at approximately $63,934 in 2026. This starting pay represents a significant entry point in a city where the median annual salary reaches $136,367, creating a gap that new graduates can navigate over time. As early-career technologists gain experience, their earnings typically climb toward $109,348 within the first few years, reflecting a growth trajectory that is supported by Seattle's strong healthcare market. Moreover, the city's favorable job landscape makes it an appealing destination for new graduates seeking opportunities in an area that is experiencing a projected growth rate of 4.93% annually.
Career Earnings Timeline in Seattle
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 Seattle
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Seattle, WA typically start between $63,934 and $109,348 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,084 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,367 — 34.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 50.05% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($63,934/year) in Seattle. 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 Seattle
- 1Research the Seattle market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $63,934 to $109,348, 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Seattle's above-average cost of living (index: 111.133) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Seattle is $106,084 ( 165.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,934, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,018.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,150
2025 BLS Actual
$60,930
2026 Current Est.
$63,934
2019–2027 Growth
+-5.7%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,086 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Seattle, WA grew -14.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,150 in 2019 to $60,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,086. New graduates entering the Seattle job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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 Seattle
In Seattle, various employers are actively seeking new grad ultrasound technologists, notably large hospital systems and corporate practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These employers value candidates who hold state licensure and may offer enhanced pay to those with additional certifications recognized by the national professional body. For many new graduates, the first one to three years in the field are crucial for skill development and financial growth, as compensation tends to vary widely depending on employer type and geographical factors within WA. Early-career ultrasound techs can realistically anticipate salary increases as they accumulate experience and possibly shift to higher-paying settings, which is instrumental in growing their income beyond initial expectations. Engaging in continuing education and actively seeking advancements can significantly enhance the new grad ultrasound technologist pay in Seattle, ensuring that they remain competitive in a dynamic market.
More salary data for Seattle, 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 Seattle. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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