Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in St. Paul, MN: $156,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in St. Paul, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $156,172/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back St. Paul's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $158,550 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

St. Paul offers substantial earning potential for experienced ultrasound technologists, particularly those standing at the top of their field. With a projected median annual salary of $107,585 for 2026, senior professionals can expect lucrative pay structures that climb significantly higher. The top 25% of earners make an impressive $118,767, while the uppermost echelon reaches a remarkable $156,172. Notably, St. Paul’s $156,172 for the 90th percentile stands favorably against the national top ultrasound technologist salary of $101,352, illustrating a regionally competitive compensation environment. Achieving such high earnings relies not only on years of experience but also on targeting specialized areas within the profession, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development and advanced credentials.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Paul
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in St. Paul earn between $118,767 and $156,172 per year (2026 est.). This $81,823 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The St. Paul median of $107,585 sits 6.15% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | St. Paul | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $107,585 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,767 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $156,172 | $135,748 |
In St. Paul, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 45.16% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in St. Paul
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $107,585 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by St. Paul employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in St. Paul command premium compensation, often reaching the $118,767–$156,172 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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 Minnesota 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 St. Paul
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSt. Paul ranks #1 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $156,172).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in St. Paul ($156,172) is 22.21% above the Minnesota average P90 ($127,785).
2019 BLS Actual
$117,415
2025 BLS Actual
$148,834
2026 Current Est.
$156,172
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,415 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,943 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,938 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,798 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,508 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,834 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,871 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in St. Paul saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $117,415 in 2019 to $148,834 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 $163,871 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Compensation among senior ultrasound technologists in St. Paul varies greatly depending on the type of employer. For instance, healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often provide higher compensation packages than smaller private practices or community health centers. Those specializing in fields such as vascular ultrasound or cardiac imaging may command additional premiums, further enhancing their earning potential. Advancing into roles like clinical coordinator or department director not only fosters professional growth but also typically corresponds with a significant salary increase. Credentialing plays a critical role as well; obtaining relevant certifications recognized by the profession can boost overall pay. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials, retirement plans, and comprehensive health coverage, also factor into the total compensation and differentiate senior roles within the field across St. Paul and the greater MN area.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in St. Paul in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in St. Paul?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in St. Paul?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in St. Paul?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in St. Paul?
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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 $148,834 for ultrasound technologists in the St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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