Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Caledonia, WI: $72,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Caledonia, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,088 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Caledonia's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,182 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,279) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Caledonia, WI, can anticipate a starting pay around $72,088 in 2026. This amount reflects the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, creating a notable gap compared to the city’s median salary of $105,279. However, there is a clear potential for growth as newly minted professionals can expect their earnings to increase significantly as they gain experience. Within their first three to five years, many may reach the 25th percentile salary of $91,582, which illustrates a steady upward trajectory in compensation. Given this context, Caledonia presents a relatively favorable market for new graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Caledonia
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 Caledonia
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Caledonia, WI typically start between $72,088 and $91,582 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,215 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,279 — 3.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Wisconsin of $24,000 represents just 33.29% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($72,088/year) in Caledonia. 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 Caledonia
- 1Research the Caledonia market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $72,088 to $91,582, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Caledonia, 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 Caledonia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Caledonia's below-average 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 Caledonia is $67,215 ( 93.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,088, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,303.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,455
2025 BLS Actual
$68,701
2026 Current Est.
$72,088
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Caledonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,489 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,228 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,642 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Caledonia, WI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,455 in 2019 to $68,701 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,642. New graduates entering the Caledonia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia 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 Caledonia
Several employers in Caledonia provide appealing opportunities for recent graduates, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that value structured onboarding and development programs. To enhance their starting salary and increase job prospects, new graduates would benefit from obtaining state licensure in addition to pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body. During the initial years, compensation can vary widely depending on the type of employer and the mix of credentials. In the first three years, new ultrasound technologists can realistically expect to see salary growth as they gain practical experience and potentially align with the growing demand for their skills, typically resulting in wages that can close the gap with those at the median salary level.
More salary data for Caledonia, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Caledonia in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Caledonia?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Caledonia?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Caledonia?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Wisconsin?
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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 Caledonia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caledonia 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