Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Brookings, SD: $108,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Brookings, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $108,781/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Brookings's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $117,221 in average-cost America. The 25% 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 Brookings, South Dakota, can expect a promising financial outlook as they tap into the high potential of top-tier earnings. In 2026, the top ultrasound technologist salary in Brookings reaches $108,781, making seasoned professionals particularly competitive within the market. With a median annual salary of $86,895, the gap between this figure and the highest earners reflects the premium awarded for expertise and experience. Achieving these elevated earnings typically requires extensive hands-on skills, specialized training, and certifications that demonstrate competency in advanced imaging techniques. Staying current with evolving technologies and participating in continued education can be vital for those seeking to move into the ranks of the top earners.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Brookings earn between $93,254 and $108,781 per year (2026 est.). This $42,377 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookings median of $86,895 sits 14.26% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $86,895 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,254 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $108,781 | $135,748 |
In Brookings, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 25.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Brookings
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $86,895 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookings employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Brookings command premium compensation, often reaching the $93,254–$108,781 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookings 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 Brookings 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 South Dakota 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 Brookings
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookings ranks #8 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $108,781).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Brookings ($108,781) is 3.16% above the South Dakota average P90 ($105,448).
2019 BLS Actual
$81,785
2025 BLS Actual
$103,670
2026 Current Est.
$108,781
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,785 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,196 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,556 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,144 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Brookings saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $81,785 in 2019 to $103,670 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 $114,144 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 Brookings
Compensation for experienced ultrasound technologists in Brookings varies substantially based on employer type and specialization. Those working in large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics may see increased pay relative to positions in private practices, primarily due to the scale and complexity of services provided. Specializations such as echocardiography or vascular sonography particularly command premium pay among seasoned professionals. As they ascend the career ladder, opportunities for advancement into leadership roles such as clinical coordinators or department directors may arise, enhancing both responsibility and salary. In addition, obtaining advanced credentials, such as a state license or recognized certifications from the national body, can significantly influence compensation levels. Factors beyond base pay, including benefits packages and shift differentials, also contribute to the overall compensation experience for senior ultrasound technologists in SD.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Brookings in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Brookings?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Brookings?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Brookings?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Brookings?
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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 $103,670 for ultrasound technologists in the Brookings 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 Brookings 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