Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Onalaska, WI: $125,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Onalaska, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $125,779/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Onalaska's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $134,667 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Onalaska, Wisconsin, the anticipated earnings for seasoned ultrasound technologists are promising, with a projected median annual salary of $103,495 in 2026. Experienced professionals in this field can expect to reach impressive income levels, as the top 10% of earners (P90) are projected to earn $125,779 annually. This significant gap between the median salary and the top-tier pay highlights the premium placed on experience, expertise, and specialization. To ascend to these upper ranges, ultrasound technologists often engage in continual education, acquire advanced certifications, and hone skills in niche areas of medical imaging that are in high demand.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Onalaska earn between $108,728 and $125,779 per year (2026 est.). This $50,565 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Onalaska median of $103,495 sits 2.11% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Onalaska | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $103,495 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,728 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $125,779 | $135,748 |
In Onalaska, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 21.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Onalaska
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $103,495 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Onalaska employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Onalaska command premium compensation, often reaching the $108,728–$125,779 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Wisconsin 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 Onalaska
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOnalaska ranks #41 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $125,779).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Onalaska ($125,779) is 4.59% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($131,834).
2019 BLS Actual
$94,565
2025 BLS Actual
$119,869
2026 Current Est.
$125,779
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,565 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,604 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,133 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,869 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,979 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Onalaska saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $94,565 in 2019 to $119,869 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 $131,979 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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 Onalaska
Focusing on the varied compensation structures reveals interesting insights into top ultrasound technologist salary trends in Onalaska. Specializations in fields such as vascular, cardiac, or obstetric sonography tend to command higher wages, reflecting the complex skill sets required. Additionally, compensation diverges significantly based on employer type; positions in large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics typically offer higher salaries, driven by increased resources and advanced technology. Furthermore, taking on leadership roles, such as clinical coordinator or department director, can further enhance earning potential. Advanced credentials, including state licensure and certifications from recognized professional bodies, not only improve job prospects but also substantially boost salary potential in Wisconsin. Non-salary benefits such as shift differentials and comprehensive health benefits also play a significant role in total compensation for senior ultrasound technologists.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Onalaska in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Onalaska?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Onalaska?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Onalaska?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Onalaska?
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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 $119,869 for ultrasound technologists in the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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