Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Davenport, IA: $80,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Davenport, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,691 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davenport's local price level (BEA RPP 89.1 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $90,584 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,955) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the field of ultrasound technology in Davenport, Iowa, the 2026 starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected to be around $80,691. This entry-level compensation is slightly below the city’s median annual salary of $86,955, indicating a gap that new graduates should be mindful of. However, career growth prospects are promising, as salaries typically rise from this base salary towards figures like $84,458 within the early years of employment. With an annual growth rate projected at 4.93%, new graduates may find Davenport to be a viable market for building a career in ultrasound technology, especially as demand continues to expand in the healthcare sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davenport
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 Davenport
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Davenport, IA typically start between $80,691 and $84,458 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,344 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,955 — 14.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 27.26% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($80,691/year) in Davenport. 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 Davenport
- 1Research the Davenport market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $80,691 to $84,458, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davenport, 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 Davenport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Davenport'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 Davenport is $24,344 ( 30.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,691, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,035.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,540
2025 BLS Actual
$76,900
2026 Current Est.
$80,691
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,669 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Davenport, IA grew 41.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,540 in 2019 to $76,900 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,669. New graduates entering the Davenport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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 Davenport
In Davenport, various employers actively seek out new grad ultrasound technologists, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide robust onboarding experiences. These organizations often recognize the value of state licensure and may encourage or offer pathways to advanced certification through the profession's national body. Enhancing one’s credentials can significantly increase starting pay opportunities in Iowa. During the first three years, entry-level positions can see reasonable salary progression, reflecting the industry's variability based on employer type and geographic market. By adopting a proactive career strategy, such as seeking additional training and gaining diverse clinical experiences, new graduates can realistically expect to increase their earnings substantially as they gain experience and demonstrate their expertise in the field.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Davenport in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Davenport?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Davenport?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Davenport?
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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 Davenport. 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