Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Ames, IA: $86,158 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Ames, IA earns a median $86,158/year (≈ $41.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Ames's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $96,992 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ames, the role of ultrasound technologists appears stable with 30 professionals employed in the field, revealing a moderate level of market saturation. The projected median annual salary for this occupation in 2026 is $86,158, which falls short of the national median of $101,352, reflecting a difference of nearly 15%. Salaries can range from $73,010 at the lower end to $107,427 for those in the highest percentile. These figures come from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in ultrasound technology within this midwestern community.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,010 | $35.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,395 | $40.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,158 | $41.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,790 | $50.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,427 | $51.65 |
Median Salary Position
14.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ames
In Ames, IA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,417 (2026 est.). At $86,158, the local median is 14.99% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ames: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ames Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Ames median: $86,158/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ames Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,940 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -14.99% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Ames, IA earn a median of $86,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.99% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.90% below the Iowa state average of $86,940.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ames has a cost of living 11.17% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ames, IA has a cost-of-living index of 88.83 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $86,158 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,992 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.57% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,179
2025 BLS Actual
$82,110
2026 Current Est.
$86,158
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,158 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ames metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $63,179 (2019) to $82,110 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,227 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $73,010 – $84,395 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,395 – $86,158 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,158 – $105,790 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,790 – $107,427 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Ames
The local job market for ultrasound technologists in Ames, IA, is influenced by the relatively low cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 88.83. This economic context can enhance purchasing power despite salaries being lower than the national average. Employers that typically pay higher wages include larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, whereas private practices and community health centers may offer more modest compensation. Factors driving variations in ultrasound technologist pay in Ames include shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the overall benefits structure of the employer. To maximize compensation, professionals should seek additional certifications and consider employment with larger facilities that often have more extensive resource allocations for salaries. Understanding these dynamics can help candidates strategize effectively in negotiating their worth in the Ames market.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,110 for ultrasound technologistsin the Ames metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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