Ultrasound Tech Pay

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.

$156,172
Top 10% Earn
$75.08/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$118,767
75th Percentile
$156,172
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Senior Salary in St. Paul, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
St. Paul, MN ultrasound technologist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in St. Paul. The median salary is $107,585, compared to the national median of $101,352.$66.9K$91.2K$115.4K$139.7K$164.0K$74.3K10th Pctl$88.8K25th Pctl$107.6KMedian$118.8K75th Pctl$156.2K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the St. Paul metro area.

Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison

LevelSt. PaulNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$74,349 – $107,585

Senior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist

5-10 years
$107,585 – $118,767

Ultrasound Technologist Department Manager

10+ years
$118,767+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

St. 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in St. Paul. Baseline $117,415 in 2025, projected to $163,871 by 2027.$107.6K$124.0K$140.4K$156.8K$173.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$117.4K$121.2K$116.9K$123.9K$133.8K$134.5K$148.8K$156.2K$163.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$117,415Actual
2020$121,189Actual
2021$116,943Actual
2022$123,938Actual
2023$133,798Actual
2024$134,508Actual
2025$148,834Actual
2026(current)$156,172Estimated
2027$163,871Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in St. Paul in 2026?

Top-earning ultrasound technologists in St. Paul (90th percentile) make $156,172/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is $48,587 more than the area median of $107,585 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior ultrasound technologists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in St. Paul?

Higher ultrasound technologist pay in St. Paul is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in St. Paul?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for ultrasound technologists in St. Paul include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $107,585, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in St. Paul?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in St. Paul is $156,172, well above $100K. Ultrasound Technologists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in St. Paul?

In St. Paul, the gap between entry level ($74,349) and top earners ($156,172) is $81,823, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Minnesota

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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