Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $74,861 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Wisconsin Rapids, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,861 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wisconsin Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,151 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,613) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Wisconsin Rapids is projected at around $74,861 in 2026. This entry-level rate represents a noticeable gap compared to the overall city median of $99,613, illustrating the potential earnings growth as experience increases. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can expect to see their salaries rise toward the 25th percentile at approximately $82,866 and even closer to the median with time and skill development. Given this upward trajectory, Wisconsin Rapids presents a viable job market for recent graduates as they launch their careers in ultrasound technology, offering opportunities for growth in both earning potential and professional skills.
About the Wisconsin Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wisconsin Rapids
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 Wisconsin Rapids
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wisconsin Rapids, WI typically start between $74,861 and $82,866 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,449 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,613 — 1.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Wisconsin of $24,000 represents just 32.06% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($74,861/year) in Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids
- 1Research the Wisconsin Rapids market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $74,861 to $82,866, 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 Wisconsin Rapids, 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 Wisconsin Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wisconsin Rapids'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 Wisconsin Rapids is $48,449 ( 64.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,861, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,310.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,512
2025 BLS Actual
$71,344
2026 Current Est.
$74,861
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,512 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,585 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,622 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,989 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,344 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,861 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,552 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,512 in 2019 to $71,344 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,552. New graduates entering the Wisconsin Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Employers in Wisconsin Rapids that typically hire new grad ultrasound technologists include major healthcare systems and group practices that provide structured onboarding programs. Such facilities recognize the value of preparing entry-level professionals with proper training and experience. To enhance prospective earnings, newcomers in this field should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications offered by the profession’s national body. These credentials are widely recognized and can lead to higher initial pay. As new ultrasound technologists build their experience during the first few years, they may anticipate reasonable salary increases driven by factors like employer type and additional certifications, positioning them for a rewarding career in this dynamic healthcare sector.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Wisconsin Rapids in 2026?
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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 Wisconsin Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wisconsin Rapids 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