Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $112,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Des Moines, WA earns a median $112,027/year (≈ $53.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $104,308 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median annual salary of $112,027 projected for 2026, ultrasound technologists in Des Moines, WA, earn nearly 10.53% more than their peers nationally, where the median stands at $101,352. The local salary range from $80,375 at the lowest decile to $146,197 at the highest reveals significant earning potential within the field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, indicating that skilled ultrasound technologists can find favorable compensation opportunities in this area. As the demand for sonography services continues to rise, the job market in Des Moines shows promise for both current professionals and those entering the field.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,375 | $38.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,685 | $45.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,027 | $53.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,030 | $59.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,197 | $70.28 |
Median Salary Position
10.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,822 (2026 est.). At $112,027, the local median is 10.53% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $112,027/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $113,045 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +10.53% more |
Ultrasound Technologists in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $112,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $113,045.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,027 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,308 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,148
2025 BLS Actual
$106,764
2026 Current Est.
$112,027
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,919 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,550 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $82,148 (2019) to $106,764 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,550 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,402 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $80,375 – $93,685 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,685 – $112,027 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,027 – $123,030 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,030 – $146,197 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Des Moines
While only seven ultrasound technologists currently practice in Des Moines, the local job market reflects a unique balance of compensation and cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 107.4 indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average. Large healthcare organizations typically offer higher pay compared to smaller private practices or community health centers, partly due to their robust benefit packages and opportunities for shift differentials. Factors driving the salary spread include specialized credentials and experience, as well as the size and reputation of the employing institution. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications, pursuing positions in larger facilities, and being open to varied shifts that may offer enhanced pay. Understanding the ultrasound technologist pay in Des Moines will be essential for those looking to navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Des Moines, WA in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Des Moines?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ultrasound technologist salary in Des Moines?
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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 $106,764 for ultrasound technologistsin the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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