Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Kearny, NJ: $148,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Kearny, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $148,736/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Kearny's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $129,111 in average-cost America. The 32% 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 Kearny, NJ, can anticipate a median annual salary of $112,952 in 2026, which positions them well above the national average of $101,352. The earning potential for top professionals in this region is significant, with a remarkable P90 salary projection of $148,736. This gap between the median and top earners highlights the experience premium that seasoned professionals can achieve, often reflecting their advanced skills and the specialized nature of their work. To reach these upper echelons of pay, experienced technologists commonly pursue advanced certifications in specific modalities or gain leadership roles that showcase their expertise and value within the healthcare system.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Kearny earn between $120,873 and $148,736 per year (2026 est.). This $62,511 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kearny median of $112,952 sits 11.45% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Kearny | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $112,952 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,873 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $148,736 | $135,748 |
In Kearny, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 31.68% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Kearny
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $112,952 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kearny employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Kearny command premium compensation, often reaching the $120,873–$148,736 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kearny 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 Kearny 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 New Jersey 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 Kearny
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKearny ranks #42 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $148,736).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Kearny ($148,736) is 5.79% above the New Jersey average P90 ($140,598).
2019 BLS Actual
$111,825
2025 BLS Actual
$141,748
2026 Current Est.
$148,736
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,825 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,419 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,427 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,069 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Kearny saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $111,825 in 2019 to $141,748 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 $156,069 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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 Kearny
Compensation for senior ultrasound technologists can vary notably based on the type of employer. Those employed in large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics often see higher salaries compared to community health centers or private practices, reflecting the complexity of the cases handled. Specialties such as vascular sonography or obstetric ultrasound can further command premium pay in Kearny, driving the earnings potential upward. In addition, holding advanced credentials beyond the basic ultrasound licensure—such as registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) status—can significantly enhance salary prospects in NJ. Career advancement opportunities, such as moving into lead practitioner or clinical coordinator roles, also enrich the overall compensation package. Alongside hourly wages, factors like shift differentials, benefits, and employer size contribute to comprehensive remuneration for seasoned professionals in this field.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Kearny in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Kearny?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Kearny?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Kearny?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Kearny?
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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 $141,748 for ultrasound technologists in the Kearny 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 Kearny 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