Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $83,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $83,975/year (≈ $40.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $92,893 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, ultrasound technologists in Council Bluffs, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $83,975, which positions them notably below the national median of $101,352. The salary range for this profession in Council Bluffs spans from $58,990 at the tenth percentile to $110,600 at the ninetieth percentile. This range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and the type of employer. These figures are projections based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, providing local job seekers with a clear benchmark. Given these numbers, it’s essential for aspiring ultrasound technologists in Council Bluffs to be mindful of how their skills and credentials can significantly influence earning potential in this evolving healthcare job market.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,990 | $28.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,575 | $33.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,975 | $40.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,050 | $45.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,600 | $53.18 |
Median Salary Position
17.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,610 (2026 est.). At $83,975, the local median is 17.15% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $83,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,931 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -17.15% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $83,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.15% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $86,931.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $83,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,893 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,578
2025 BLS Actual
$80,030
2026 Current Est.
$83,975
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,412 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,988 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,349 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,115 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $61,578 (2019) to $80,030 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,115 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,537 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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) | $58,990 – $69,575 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,575 – $83,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,975 – $94,050 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,050 – $110,600 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Council Bluffs
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 12 ultrasound technologists employed in Council Bluffs, which indicates a small but stable workforce. The cost-of-living index in this area is 90.4, suggesting that living expenses are below the national average, potentially allowing for greater purchasing power with local salaries. Among the various employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest compensation compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Factors that drive the variation in ultrasound technologist pay in Council Bluffs include shift differentials, the presence of specialized credentials, and benefits packages that enhance overall compensation. To maximize earnings, ultrasound technologists should consider pursuing advanced training or certifications, focus on gainful employment within larger institutions, and remain flexible regarding work schedules to take advantage of any higher-paying shifts or roles.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, 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 $80,030 for ultrasound technologistsin the Council Bluffs 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
Salary data for Council Bluffs 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