Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cabot, AR: $63,660 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Cabot, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,660 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cabot's local price level (BEA RPP 86.913% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,257 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,739) within a few years of clinical practice.

$63,660
Starting Salary
$30.61/hr
Starting Hourly
$63,660
Entry Level
$84,739
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Cabot, AR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Cabot, AR ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates entering the field of ultrasound technology in Cabot, AR can expect a starting ultrasound technologist salary of around $63,660 in 2026. While this figure is below the city median of $84,739, it sets a foundation for steady income growth. As new clinicians gain experience, they can anticipate advancing to an annual salary of approximately $71,095 within the first few years. This upward trajectory is encouraging and reflects the broader 4.93% growth expected in the sector over the next five years. Overall, Cabot presents a favorable job market for new ultrasound technologists looking to initiate their careers, particularly as they establish themselves in a field that offers the potential for significant financial progression.

About the Cabot Market

Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Cabot

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$63,660/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$71,095/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$84,739/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$93,286/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cabot

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Cabot. The median salary is $84,739, compared to the national median of $101,352.$57.3K$72.1K$86.9K$101.7K$116.5K$63.7K10th Pctl$71.1K25th Pctl$84.7KMedian$93.3K75th Pctl$111.0K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cabot, AR typically start between $63,660 and $71,095 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,294 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,73916.39% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$16,000
Avg AR Program Cost
$63,660
Starting Salary
25.13%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Arkansas of $16,000 represents just 25.13% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($63,660/year) in Cabot. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.

Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cabot

  • 1Research the Cabot market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $63,660 to $71,095, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cabot, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cabot for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Cabot's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range

The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Cabot is $47,294 ( 74.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,660, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,954.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$47,206

2025 BLS Actual

$60,669

2026 Current Est.

$63,660

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cabot (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 Cabot. Baseline $47,206 in 2025, projected to $66,798 by 2027.$37.9K$46.4K$54.8K$63.2K$71.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$47.2K$48.1K$53.4K$55.0K$57.0K$42.7K$60.7K$63.7K$66.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$47,206Actual
2020$48,118Actual
2021$53,352Actual
2022$54,953Actual
2023$56,966Actual
2024$42,748Actual
2025$60,669Actual
2026(current)$63,660Estimated
2027$66,798Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cabot, AR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,206 in 2019 to $60,669 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,798. New graduates entering the Cabot job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cabot 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.

Starting Your medical imaging Career in Cabot

Employers in Cabot that typically hire entry-level ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, known for providing structured onboarding programs aimed at new graduates. For aspiring ultrasound technologists, securing state licensure is essential, and obtaining additional certifications recognized by the national professional body can further enhance starting salaries in Arkansas. In the initial years of employment, understanding the compensation variability across different employers, geographic areas, and credential mixes is critical. Early-career professionals should be prepared for a realistic salary growth trajectory that may not reflect immediate advancements but shows promise as experience is gained; many report positive increases in compensation during years one to three.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Cabot in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Cabot start at approximately $63,660/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $30.61/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Cabot?

Most ultrasound technologists in Cabot progress from the entry-level salary of $63,660 to the area median of $84,739 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $110,954 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Cabot?

With a starting salary of $63,660/year in Cabot and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Cabot?

New medical imaging graduates in Cabot typically start near the 10th percentile at $63,660/year, or approximately $30.61/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Arkansas?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Arkansas, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Arkansas, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

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

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cabot. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Cabot 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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