Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cleveland, TN: $108,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Cleveland, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $108,666/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Cleveland's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $118,373 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Achieving top-tier compensation as an experienced ultrasound technologist in Cleveland, TN, means positioning yourself to earn significantly more than the median salary of $81,333 projected for 2026. With the potential to command a salary of $108,666 at the 90th percentile (P90), seasoned professionals must navigate their career paths thoughtfully to reach this level. The gap between the median and top earners highlights the experience premium that senior ultrasound technologists can leverage. To ascend to this elite pay bracket, technologists often focus on gaining specialized certifications and mastering advanced imaging modalities, positioning themselves as invaluable assets to healthcare providers in the Cleveland market.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Cleveland earn between $91,044 and $108,666 per year (2026 est.). This $47,737 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleveland median of $81,333 sits 19.75% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleveland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,333 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,044 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $108,666 | $135,748 |
In Cleveland, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 33.61% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Cleveland
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $81,333 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleveland employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Cleveland command premium compensation, often reaching the $91,044–$108,666 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Tennessee 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 Cleveland
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleveland ranks #9 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $108,666).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Cleveland ($108,666) is 1.48% above the Tennessee average P90 ($107,083).
2019 BLS Actual
$81,698
2025 BLS Actual
$103,560
2026 Current Est.
$108,666
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,324 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,237 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,098 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,023 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Cleveland saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $81,698 in 2019 to $103,560 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 $114,023 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Beyond salary considerations, various factors can significantly influence senior ultrasound technologist pay in Cleveland. Specialties such as vascular imaging, echocardiography, and obstetric ultrasound typically command higher wages due to increased demand and the specialized skills required. Compensation structures also vary by employer type; large healthcare organizations often provide better benefits and potential bonuses compared to smaller private practices. Leadership roles, such as clinical coordinators or department directors, offer avenues for career advancement and further salary boosts. Furthermore, obtaining state licensure alongside advanced credentials acknowledged by national bodies can enhance earning potential in Tennessee. Non-salary benefits such as shift differentials and comprehensive benefits packages also play a crucial role in overall compensation, making strategic career planning vital for advancing in the field.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Cleveland in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Cleveland?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Cleveland?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Cleveland?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Cleveland?
Related Pages
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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 $103,560 for ultrasound technologists in the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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