Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wausau, WI: $72,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,471 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,592 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,634) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting in 2026, new graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Wausau, WI, can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary of approximately $72,471. This is significantly lower than the projected city median of $105,634, indicating a gap that new entrants might experience as they begin their careers. However, as they gain experience, salaries can realistically rise to about $92,323, reflecting a gradual growth trajectory over the first few years in the profession. Given the consistent growth rate of 4.93% anticipated in the sector, Wausau represents a promising market for entry-level ultrasound technologists, providing them with opportunities to build a successful career while contributing to the local healthcare system.
About the Wausau Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wausau, WI typically start between $72,471 and $92,323 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,989 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,634 — 4.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Wisconsin of $24,000 represents just 33.12% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($72,471/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $72,471 to $92,323, 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 Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $67,989 ( 93.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,471, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,460.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,739
2025 BLS Actual
$69,066
2026 Current Est.
$72,471
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,066 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,044 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,739 in 2019 to $69,066 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,044. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
In Wausau, large healthcare institutions and corporate practices are key employers for new graduate ultrasound technologists. These organizations often implement structured onboarding programs that facilitate the transition from education to practice, easing entry for newcomers in 2026. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications can provide a significant advantage. Early career professionals should strategically focus on gaining diverse experience, seeking opportunities to work with a variety of imaging technologies and patient demographics. Realistic salary growth for new graduates can be expected within the first three years, especially for those who take initiative in professional development and networking within the local health sector, ultimately paving the way for enhanced earnings and career advancement.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Wausau in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Wausau?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Wausau?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Wausau?
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 Wausau. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wausau 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