Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in La Crosse, WI: $73,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the La Crosse, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,917 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out La Crosse's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,140 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,015) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field as ultrasound technologists in La Crosse, Wisconsin, can expect a starting salary around $73,917 in 2026. This entry-level figure falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $105,015, highlighting a gap that can be bridged with experience and additional qualifications. Within the first three to five years, one can reasonably anticipate progression in pay from the entry-level range to around $84,819, which is the 25th percentile salary. Given the area's healthcare demand, La Crosse presents a solid market for new ultrasound technologists, especially with the anticipated growth rate of 4.93% indicating a steady increase in job opportunities over the coming years.
About the La Crosse Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in La Crosse
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 La Crosse
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in La Crosse, WI typically start between $73,917 and $84,819 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,578 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,015 — 3.61% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Wisconsin of $24,000 represents just 32.47% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($73,917/year) in La Crosse. 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 La Crosse
- 1Research the La Crosse market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $73,917 to $84,819, 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 La Crosse, 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 La Crosse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5La Crosse'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 La Crosse is $64,578 ( 87.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,917, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,495.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,812
2025 BLS Actual
$70,444
2026 Current Est.
$73,917
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in La Crosse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,871 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,948 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,144 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,478 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,561 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in La Crosse, WI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,812 in 2019 to $70,444 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,561. New graduates entering the La Crosse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Crosse 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 La Crosse
In La Crosse, various employers such as large hospital systems and healthcare group practices provide structured onboarding for new graduates, making them well-suited for early-career ultrasound technologists. Pursuing state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized by the national body can significantly enhance starting pay in Wisconsin. New grads should adopt a proactive career strategy during their first one to three years, exploring diverse job settings to gain experience and increase compensation. Starting pay varies considerably based on employer type and the specific credentials held, with realistic salary growth expectations suggesting an upward movement from entry-level to a more competitive position as skills and experience are developed.
More salary data for La Crosse, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in La Crosse in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in La Crosse?
Is medical imaging school worth it in La Crosse?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in La Crosse?
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 La Crosse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for La Crosse 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