Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Oak Creek, WI: $77,983 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Oak Creek, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,983 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oak Creek's local price level (BEA RPP 93.47% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,494 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,117) within a few years of clinical practice.

$77,983
Starting Salary
$37.49/hr
Starting Hourly
$77,983
Entry Level
$104,117
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Oak Creek, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Oak Creek, WI ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those entering the field of ultrasound technology in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the starting pay presents a unique scenario. In 2026, new graduates can anticipate beginning salaries around $77,983, which is below the local median of $104,117 for established ultrasound technologists. However, this figure signifies a foundational starting point that can pave the way for substantial salary growth, reaching $89,170 within the first quarter of their career and eventually approaching the median over three to five years. Given the projected growth trajectory of 4.93% annually, Oak Creek currently stands as a promising market for aspiring ultrasound techs, making it an attractive option for new graduates looking to establish themselves in this field.

About the Oak Creek Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Oak Creek

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$77,983/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$89,170/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$104,117/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$116,380/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Creek

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Oak Creek. The median salary is $104,117, compared to the national median of $101,352.$70.2K$89.2K$108.2K$127.2K$146.2K$78.0K10th Pctl$89.2K25th Pctl$104.1KMedian$116.4K75th Pctl$139.2K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Oak Creek, WI typically start between $77,983 and $89,170 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,1172.73% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Oak Creek metro area.

Return on Investment

$24,000
Avg WI Program Cost
$77,983
Starting Salary
30.78%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Wisconsin of $24,000 represents just 30.78% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($77,983/year) in Oak Creek. 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 Oak Creek

  • 1Research the Oak Creek market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $77,983 to $89,170, 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 Oak Creek, 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 Oak Creek for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Oak Creek'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 Oak Creek is $61,236 ( 78.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,983, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,219.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$57,827

2025 BLS Actual

$74,319

2026 Current Est.

$77,983

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Oak Creek (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Oak Creek. Baseline $57,827 in 2025, projected to $81,827 by 2027.$50.0K$59.3K$68.6K$77.8K$87.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.8K$58.9K$65.4K$67.3K$69.8K$55.3K$74.3K$78.0K$81.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$57,827Actual
2020$58,945Actual
2021$65,355Actual
2022$67,317Actual
2023$69,782Actual
2024$55,310Actual
2025$74,319Actual
2026(current)$77,983Estimated
2027$81,827Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Oak Creek, WI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,827 in 2019 to $74,319 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,827. New graduates entering the Oak Creek job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Creek metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Oak Creek

In terms of employment opportunities, large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Oak Creek are noteworthy employers that often hire newly licensed ultrasound technologists. These organizations typically provide structured onboarding sessions that are invaluable for early-career professionals. To enhance earning potential, new entrants can secure state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications endorsed by national organizations. Throughout the first few years on the job, new grad ultrasound technologists can expect their compensation to evolve depending on employer type and geographic factors. Realistically, those entering the workforce can approach salaries in the range of $89,170 to $116,380 within two to three years as they gain experience and credentials, firmly establishing themselves within Wisconsin's healthcare landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Oak Creek in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Oak Creek start at approximately $77,983/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $37.49/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Oak Creek?

Most ultrasound technologists in Oak Creek progress from the entry-level salary of $77,983 to the area median of $104,117 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $139,219 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Oak Creek?

With a starting salary of $77,983/year in Oak Creek and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Oak Creek?

New medical imaging graduates in Oak Creek typically start near the 10th percentile at $77,983/year, or approximately $37.49/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Wisconsin?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Wisconsin, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Wisconsin, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Oak Creek. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Oak Creek is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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