Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pleasant Prairie, WI: $74,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Pleasant Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,831 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pleasant Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,119 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,200) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, can expect a starting salary around $74,831 in 2026. While this figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $103,200 for the city, it reflects the typical pay for entry-level positions. As professionals gain experience over the first few years, salaries can rise to approximately $86,279, and eventually reach the median. With an anticipated growth rate of 4.93%, the market is promising for new ultrasound technologists, offering a solid foundation for career advancement. Given the competitive compensation range and opportunities for growth, Pleasant Prairie presents a favorable environment for new graduates seeking to start their career.
About the Pleasant Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pleasant Prairie
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 Pleasant Prairie
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pleasant Prairie, WI typically start between $74,831 and $86,279 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,421 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,200 — 1.82% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Wisconsin of $24,000 represents just 32.07% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($74,831/year) in Pleasant Prairie. 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 Pleasant Prairie
- 1Research the Pleasant Prairie market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $74,831 to $86,279, 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 Pleasant Prairie, 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 Pleasant Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pleasant Prairie'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 Pleasant Prairie is $59,421 ( 79.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,831, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,252.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,489
2025 BLS Actual
$71,315
2026 Current Est.
$74,831
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pleasant Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,489 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,562 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,713 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,596 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,315 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,520 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pleasant Prairie, WI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,489 in 2019 to $71,315 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,520. New graduates entering the Pleasant Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie
Several employers in Pleasant Prairie, particularly large hospital systems and corporate practices, actively recruit new graduate ultrasound technologists. These institutions often have structured onboarding processes that help nurture early-career professionals. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, attaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can significantly improve prospects in this profession. In the early years of their careers, it's prudent for new technologists to focus on gaining varied experience and developing their skills, as compensation can vary widely depending on employer type and geographic area. Realistic expectations suggest that technicians may see salary increases during the first three years based on performance and the acquisition of additional credentials, making strategic career planning essential for maximizing potential earnings.
More salary data for Pleasant Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Pleasant Prairie in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Pleasant Prairie?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Pleasant Prairie?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Pleasant Prairie?
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 Pleasant Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pleasant Prairie 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