Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Sioux City, IA: $70,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Sioux City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,733 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux City's local price level (BEA RPP 86.5 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,816 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,465) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates seeking entry-level positions, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Sioux City, IA, is projected to be approximately $70,733 in 2026, which is below the median salary for the area, set at $85,465. This gap suggests an expectation that entry-level professionals will need to demonstrate their skills and gain experience to reach the median within a few years. As they progress and gain additional expertise, salaries may rise toward the 25th percentile of $83,084 within three to five years. This steady growth trajectory may signal that Sioux City is a favorable market for new graduates, allowing them to build a sustainable career while contributing to a healthcare environment that values ultrasound technicians.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux City
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 Sioux City
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Sioux City, IA typically start between $70,733 and $83,084 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,692 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,465 — 15.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Iowa of $22,000 represents just 31.10% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($70,733/year) in Sioux City. 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 Sioux City
- 1Research the Sioux City market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $70,733 to $83,084, 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 Sioux City, 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 Sioux City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux City'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 Sioux City is $30,692 ( 43.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,733, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,425.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,770
2025 BLS Actual
$67,410
2026 Current Est.
$70,733
2019–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,572 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,220 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux City, IA grew 27.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,770 in 2019 to $67,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,220. New graduates entering the Sioux City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux City 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 Sioux City
In Sioux City, major employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices are known to actively recruit new graduates in the ultrasound field, providing structured onboarding programs that ease the transition into professional roles. For those looking to enhance their qualifications, obtaining state licensure, alongside optional advanced certifications recognized nationally, can lead to improved salary prospects right from the start. It is vital for new grads to understand that their starting salaries may vary significantly depending on employer type and geographic area. In their first three years, ultrasound technologists can anticipate realistic salary growth that reflects not just their efforts but also the evolving healthcare job market in Iowa, where the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Sioux City in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Sioux City?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Sioux City?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Sioux City?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Iowa?
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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 Sioux City. 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