Ultrasound Tech Pay

Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $107,408 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Wilkes-Barre, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $107,408/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Wilkes-Barre's price premium (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,275 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$107,408
Top 10% Earn
$51.64/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$90,646
75th Percentile
$107,408
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Senior Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Wilkes-Barre, PA ultrasound technologist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Senior ultrasound technologists in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania can anticipate impressive compensation, reflecting their advanced skills and extensive experience in this critical healthcare field. With a median annual salary of $83,155 for 2026, those at the top of their game can achieve a substantial salary of up to $107,408, demonstrating a significant gap between median and top-tier earners. This experience premium emphasizes the rewards for professionals who dedicate over seven years to enhancing their technical abilities and clinical knowledge. To attain such elevated salaries, technologists must not only refine their ultrasound skills but also consider advancing their credentials while gaining experience in high-demand specializations, positioning themselves strategically within the marketplace.

About the Wilkes-Barre Market

Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilkes-Barre

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Wilkes-Barre. The median salary is $83,155, compared to the national median of $101,352.$52.8K$67.8K$82.8K$97.8K$112.8K$58.7K10th Pctl$68.8K25th Pctl$83.2KMedian$90.6K75th Pctl$107.4K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Wilkes-Barre earn between $90,646 and $107,408 per year (2026 est.). This $48,691 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilkes-Barre median of $83,155 sits 17.95% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Wilkes-Barre metro area.

Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison

LevelWilkes-BarreNational
Median (P50)$83,155$101,352
75th Percentile$90,646$112,202
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$107,408$135,748

In Wilkes-Barre, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 29.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Wilkes-Barre

1

Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania

PA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $83,155 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilkes-Barre employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Wilkes-Barre command premium compensation, often reaching the $90,646–$107,408 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Pennsylvania 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 Wilkes-Barre

Clinical Ultrasound Technologist

0-5 years
$58,717 – $83,155

Senior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist

5-10 years
$83,155 – $90,646

Ultrasound Technologist Department Manager

10+ years
$90,646+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Wilkes-Barre ranks #7 of 24 Pennsylvania cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $107,408).

Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Wilkes-Barre ($107,408) is 5.37% below the Pennsylvania average P90 ($113,499).

2019 BLS Actual

$80,753

2025 BLS Actual

$102,362

2026 Current Est.

$107,408

2019–2027 Growth

+39.6%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wilkes-Barre (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 Wilkes-Barre. Baseline $80,753 in 2025, projected to $112,704 by 2027.$74.0K$85.3K$96.6K$107.9K$119.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$80.8K$83.3K$80.4K$85.2K$92.0K$107.1K$102.4K$107.4K$112.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$80,753Actual
2020$83,349Actual
2021$80,429Actual
2022$85,240Actual
2023$92,021Actual
2024$107,066Actual
2025$102,362Actual
2026(current)$107,408Estimated
2027$112,704Projected

Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Wilkes-Barre saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $80,753 in 2019 to $102,362 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 $112,704 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre

In Wilkes-Barre, premium compensation opportunities for experienced ultrasound technologists often hinge on specialization and the type of healthcare employer. Professionals skilled in sought-after areas—such as vascular ultrasound or cardiac imaging—tend to command higher salaries, further elevating their career potential. At the senior level, compensation also varies significantly based on the employer's nature; large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics generally offer more robust pay structures compared to community health centers or private practices. Career advancement can lead to roles such as clinical coordinator or department director, which can come with additional financial incentives and leadership responsibilities. Furthermore, holding advanced certifications and state licensure not only boosts an individual’s marketability but also positively impacts their earnings. Non-salary factors, such as shift differentials and comprehensive benefits packages provided by larger employers, add further appeal to this profession, ensuring that senior ultrasound technologists in PA are well-compensated for their expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?

Top-earning ultrasound technologists in Wilkes-Barre (90th percentile) make $107,408/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is $24,253 more than the area median of $83,155 — 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 Wilkes-Barre?

Higher ultrasound technologist pay in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for ultrasound technologists in Wilkes-Barre include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $83,155, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Wilkes-Barre?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Wilkes-Barre is $107,408, 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 Wilkes-Barre?

In Wilkes-Barre, the gap between entry level ($58,717) and top earners ($107,408) is $48,691, 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 Pennsylvania

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 $102,362 for ultrasound technologists in the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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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