Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Jacksonville, FL: $71,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Jacksonville, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,856 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 99.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,229 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,634) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into entry-level ultrasound technologist positions in Jacksonville, Florida, can expect starting salaries around $71,856. This figure represents a notable gap compared to the city's median salary of $88,634 for more experienced technologists. However, early-career professionals typically see a clear path for income growth, moving from entry-level wages through the $82,748 mark and potentially reaching the median salary within their first three to five years. Given this strong projection, Jacksonville appears to be a favorable market for newly licensed ultrasound technologists, providing promising salary opportunities as they advance in their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Jacksonville, FL typically start between $71,856 and $82,748 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,833 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,634 — 12.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Florida of $22,000 represents just 30.62% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,856/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,856 to $82,748, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville's moderate 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 Jacksonville is $32,833 ( 45.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,856, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,689.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,560
2025 BLS Actual
$68,480
2026 Current Est.
$71,856
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,399 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, FL grew 30.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,560 in 2019 to $68,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,399. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in Jacksonville
Large hospital systems and corporate group practices dominate the healthcare landscape in Jacksonville and often employ new graduates, offering structured onboarding programs that can ease the transition into professional roles. To enhance their starting pay in Florida, aspiring ultrasound technologists should focus on acquiring the necessary state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized nationally. In the first one to three years, it is realistic for new graduates to see incremental salary gains, driven by their employer type and credentialing status. Those who take proactive steps toward professional development will find that compensation can vary significantly, influenced by geographic factors and the overall demand for skilled ultrasound technologists in the region.
More salary data for Jacksonville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Jacksonville in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Jacksonville?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Jacksonville?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Jacksonville?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Florida?
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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
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 Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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