Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $79,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $79,819/year (≈ $38.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $88,295 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the purchasing power for ultrasound technologists is influenced by a median annual salary of $79,819. When considering the local context, this figure represents a significant adjustment compared to the national median of $101,352, reflecting a disparity of roughly 21.25%. Salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data indicate a range that spans from $60,051 at the 10th percentile to $98,782 at the 90th percentile, offering insight into the potential compensation spectrum for ultrasound technologists in this area. Given the cost-of-living index in Fort Dodge, which sits at 90.4, these salaries may afford a more favorable lifestyle on a local scale, particularly as you weigh employer demands and healthcare opportunities in the region.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,051 | $28.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,313 | $32.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,819 | $38.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,827 | $41.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,782 | $47.49 |
Median Salary Position
21.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,731 (2026 est.). At $79,819, the local median is 21.25% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be above the median
How Fort Dodge Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $79,819/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,949 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -21.25% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $79,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.25% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $86,949.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge 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.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $79,819 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,295 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,530
2025 BLS Actual
$76,069
2026 Current Est.
$79,819
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,524 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,069 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,754 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $58,530 (2019) to $76,069 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,754 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,224 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $60,051 – $68,313 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,313 – $79,819 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,819 – $86,827 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,827 – $98,782 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Fort Dodge
The ultrasound technologist job market in Fort Dodge comprises a small pool with only four professionals currently employed in the field. This limited workforce can contribute to competitive hiring practices, especially within large healthcare organizations that tend to offer higher salaries compared to community health centers or private practices. To maximize pay in this market, ultrasound technologists may consider pursuing specialty credentials or certifications that are increasingly valued by employers. Additionally, being open to shifts that offer differential pay can enhance overall earnings. Understanding local healthcare needs and aligning skills with those demands can further improve employment prospects. Taking all these factors into account, professionals in Fort Dodge can navigate their career paths while focusing on maximizing their ultrasound technologist pay and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Fort Dodge?
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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 $76,069 for ultrasound technologistsin the Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge 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