Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Eau Claire, WI: $73,422 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Eau Claire, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,422 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eau Claire's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,610 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,739) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While considering the entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Eau Claire, it's essential to set realistic expectations for new graduates. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, starting salaries are expected to be around $73,422. This amount is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $109,739, creating a noticeable gap that new professionals may encounter. However, the potential for growth is promising, as entry-level technologists can see their pay increase to $94,418 within a few years as they gain experience and skills. Given the 4.93% annual growth rate, Eau Claire remains a favorable market for recent graduates looking to break into the field. This upward trajectory indicates that, while starting salaries may seem modest, the future holds considerable potential.
About the Eau Claire Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Eau Claire
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 Eau Claire
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Eau Claire, WI typically start between $73,422 and $94,418 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,969 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,739 — 8.28% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Wisconsin of $24,000 represents just 32.69% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($73,422/year) in Eau Claire. 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 Eau Claire
- 1Research the Eau Claire market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $73,422 to $94,418, 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 Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Eau Claire'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 Eau Claire is $69,969 ( 95.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,422, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,391.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,750
2025 BLS Actual
$69,972
2026 Current Est.
$73,422
2019–2027 Growth
+12.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,532 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,379 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,422 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,041 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Eau Claire, WI grew 1.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,750 in 2019 to $69,972 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,041. New graduates entering the Eau Claire job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
In Eau Claire, various employers actively seek to hire new grad ultrasound technologists, including larger hospital systems and well-established corporate group practices. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs, ensuring that newcomers receive the necessary training to thrive in their roles. Obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can significantly enhance starting pay and career advancement opportunities in Wisconsin. In the first three years, salary increases may vary based on employer type and credential mix, but many new professionals can expect to see a gradual rise in their earnings. This growth potential highlights the importance of strategizing early career moves and considering employers that offer development pathways, ultimately supporting a successful transition from education to practice in the field of ultrasound technology.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Eau Claire in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Eau Claire?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Eau Claire?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Eau Claire?
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 Eau Claire. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Eau Claire 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