Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wenatchee, WA: $95,633 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Wenatchee, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $95,633 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wenatchee's local price level (BEA RPP 103.9 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $92,083 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,073) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those stepping into the field, the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Wenatchee, WA, offers a promising start, with a projected beginning pay of $95,633 in 2026. This initial figure is on the lower end of the salary spectrum, in contrast to the average annual salary in the area of $113,073. New graduates can anticipate a salary progression as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level mark toward the twenty-fifth percentile at $98,382 within a few years. Given Wenatchee's stable healthcare market, it appears to be a favorable environment for fresh graduates seeking employment opportunities in ultrasound technology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wenatchee
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 Wenatchee
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wenatchee, WA typically start between $95,633 and $98,382 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,488 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,073 — 11.56% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 33.46% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($95,633/year) in Wenatchee. 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 Wenatchee
- 1Research the Wenatchee market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $95,633 to $98,382, 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 Wenatchee, 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 Wenatchee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wenatchee'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 Wenatchee is $48,488 ( 50.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $95,633, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,121.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,670
2025 BLS Actual
$91,140
2026 Current Est.
$95,633
2019–2027 Growth
+46.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,286 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,147 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,125 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,633 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,348 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wenatchee, WA grew 32.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,670 in 2019 to $91,140 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,348. New graduates entering the Wenatchee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
In Wenatchee, several healthcare employers prioritize hiring new graduates, including larger hospital systems and corporate practices known for their structured onboarding processes. It's essential for aspiring technologists to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized nationally, which can enhance their starting pay and present better job prospects. In the early stages of their careers, entry-level ultrasound technologists can expect reasonable growth in compensation within the first three years, largely influenced by the employer type and market conditions. Developing a solid professional foundation through experience and additional training is key to increasing earning potential in this evolving field, particularly as more healthcare facilities seek well-qualified candidates.
More salary data for Wenatchee, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Wenatchee in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Wenatchee?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Wenatchee?
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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 Wenatchee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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