Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Starkville, MS: $106,925 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Starkville, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $106,925/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Starkville's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $124,767 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior ultrasound technologists in Starkville, Mississippi, stand to gain substantial financial rewards as they advance in their careers. With a median annual salary projected at $84,466 for 2026, these seasoned professionals can expect to reach earnings as high as $106,925, placing them near the top tier of their field. This equates to a notable experience premium, as the salary range indicates a significant gap between the median and top earners, highlighting the value of expertise and longevity in ultrasound technology. Achieving this level of income typically involves a combination of specialized training, extensive clinical experience, and possibly leadership roles that differentiate senior technologists from their less experienced counterparts within the Starkville market.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Starkville
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Starkville earn between $90,941 and $106,925 per year (2026 est.). This $48,688 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Starkville median of $84,466 sits 16.66% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Starkville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $84,466 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,941 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $106,925 | $135,748 |
In Starkville, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 26.59% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Starkville
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $84,466 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Starkville employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Starkville command premium compensation, often reaching the $90,941–$106,925 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Starkville 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 Starkville 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 Mississippi 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 Starkville
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedStarkville ranks #8 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $106,925).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Starkville ($106,925) is 7.9% above the Mississippi average P90 ($99,100).
2019 BLS Actual
$80,390
2025 BLS Actual
$101,901
2026 Current Est.
$106,925
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,973 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,901 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,925 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,196 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Starkville saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $80,390 in 2019 to $101,901 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 $112,196 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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 Starkville
Compensation for experienced ultrasound technologists in Starkville varies significantly based on their specialization and employer type. Those focusing on specialized areas such as vascular, cardiac, or obstetrical sonography often command higher salaries due to the advanced skills required. Moreover, the type of healthcare organization can play a crucial role in pay scales; large healthcare systems and specialty clinics tend to provide better compensation compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Opportunities for career advancement abound as well, with paths leading to positions such as clinical coordinator, department director, or educator—each offering increased responsibility and corresponding pay. Pursuing additional credentials, such as those recognized by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, can further boost earning potential in Mississippi. Additionally, senior ultrasound technologists may enjoy non-salary benefits like shift differentials and comprehensive health packages, adding to the overall compensation structure in this growing field.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Starkville in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Starkville?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Starkville?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Starkville?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Starkville?
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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 $101,901 for ultrasound technologists in the Starkville 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 Starkville 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