Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Burlington, IA: $105,603 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,603/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $116,817 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced ultrasound technologists in Burlington, Iowa, the potential for top-tier earnings is significant. In 2026, those in the 90th percentile can expect an annual salary of $105,603, with the 75th percentile seeing around $90,272. Such figures illustrate a marked difference from the median salary of $83,494, highlighting the experience premium that seasoned professionals command in this field. Attaining these top salaries often requires not only years of hands-on experience, typically over seven, but also a keen focus on advancing skills and expertise. The local market dynamics, combined with dedicated effort towards specialization and credentials, can quickly elevate someone from a standard salary to the ranks of Burlington's highest earners.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $90,272 and $105,603 per year (2026 est.). This $43,776 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $83,494 sits 17.62% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $83,494 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,272 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,603 | $135,748 |
In Burlington, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 26.48% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $83,494 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $90,272–$105,603 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #17 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $105,603).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Burlington ($105,603) is 2.54% below the Iowa average P90 ($108,351).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,396
2025 BLS Actual
$100,641
2026 Current Est.
$105,603
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,077 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,807 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,874 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,641 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,809 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $79,396 in 2019 to $100,641 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $110,809 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Burlington
In Burlington, several specialization areas can significantly enhance senior ultrasound technologist pay in IA. Professionals focusing on advanced fields such as vascular imaging or echocardiography often command higher salaries due to their specialized skill sets. Compensation structures vary considerably depending on the type of employer; for instance, large healthcare organizations may offer more comprehensive benefits and salaries compared to community health centers and private practices. As practitioners gain experience, they can pursue leadership roles such as clinical coordinators or department directors, which typically come with additional financial incentives. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials in ultrasound technology or related fields can substantially boost marketability and pay. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors—like shift differentials and robust benefits—also play a crucial role in the overall remuneration for these senior-level positions in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $100,641 for ultrasound technologists in the Burlington metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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