Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Raleigh, NC: $114,772 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Raleigh, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $114,772/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Raleigh's price premium (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $116,927 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a compelling salary structure for experienced ultrasound technologists, particularly those achieving senior status within the profession. By 2026, top earners in this market can expect to reach up to $114,772, with the 75th percentile earning around $102,496. This substantial earning potential highlights the clear experience premium available; while the median salary for an experienced ultrasound technologist stands at $90,376, those able to navigate their careers strategically and acquire specialized skills can find themselves significantly better compensated than their peers. Attaining such high-level pay typically requires not only years of hands-on practice but also engagement in continual education and advanced certifications relevant to the ultrasound field.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Raleigh earn between $102,496 and $114,772 per year (2026 est.). This $38,278 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Raleigh median of $90,376 sits 10.83% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Raleigh | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $90,376 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,496 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $114,772 | $135,748 |
In Raleigh, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 26.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Raleigh
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $90,376 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Raleigh employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Raleigh command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,496–$114,772 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Raleigh 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 Raleigh with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in North Carolina 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 Raleigh
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRaleigh ranks #13 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $114,772).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Raleigh ($114,772) is 1.74% above the North Carolina average P90 ($112,806).
2019 BLS Actual
$84,950
2025 BLS Actual
$109,380
2026 Current Est.
$114,772
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,772 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,431 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Raleigh saw their compensation grow 28.8% from $84,950 in 2019 to $109,380 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 $120,431 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh
In Raleigh, several specialization areas command premium senior ultrasound technologist pay, ranging from obstetric and gynecological ultrasound to cardiac imaging, particularly in larger healthcare facilities and specialty clinics that prioritize advanced skills. Compensation packages in private practices and large healthcare organizations differ markedly from those in community health centers, often reflecting the complexity and volume of cases handled. Advancement pathways, such as transitioning into roles like lead practitioner or clinical coordinator, enable seasoned professionals to augment their earnings further. To maximize potential income, pursuing advanced credentials, including state licensure and optional certifications from professional bodies, is beneficial. Additionally, non-salary benefits, including shift differentials, comprehensive health packages, and enhanced retirement plans, play a significant role in the overall compensation experience for senior ultrasound technologists in NC.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Raleigh in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Raleigh?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Raleigh?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Raleigh?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Raleigh?
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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 $109,380 for ultrasound technologists in the Raleigh 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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