Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Gardner, KS: $65,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Gardner, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,822 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gardner's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,411 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,433) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring ultrasound technologists in Gardner, Kansas, starting salaries reveal a promising outlook for new graduates entering the field in 2026. The projected entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Gardner is approximately $65,822, which is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the city's median salary of $85,433. This gap of roughly $19,611 highlights the standard growth trajectory that entry-level professionals can expect as they progress in their careers. Over the first three to five years, salaries can rise significantly as new workers advance from the P10 level through the P25, eventually reaching the median after gaining experience and proving their skills. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare job market in Gardner, it currently presents a favorable environment for new graduates seeking to secure their first roles in ultrasound technology.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gardner
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 Gardner
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Gardner, KS typically start between $65,822 and $74,174 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,649 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,433 — 15.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Kansas of $20,000 represents just 30.38% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($65,822/year) in Gardner. 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 Gardner
- 1Research the Gardner market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $65,822 to $74,174, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gardner, 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 Gardner for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gardner'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 Gardner is $44,649 ( 67.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,822, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,471.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,809
2025 BLS Actual
$62,729
2026 Current Est.
$65,822
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,752 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,163 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,067 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Gardner, KS grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,809 in 2019 to $62,729 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,067. New graduates entering the Gardner job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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 Gardner
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In Gardner, employers that typically hire new ultrasound technologists include large hospital systems and corporate healthcare group practices, which provide structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. These organizations often look for candidates who hold state licensure and may encourage further certification from the profession’s national body, which can enhance starting pay for new grad ultrasound technologists in KS. Those entering the workforce can expect varied salary growth during their first few years, influenced by the employer's nature and the individual's credentials. As professionals build experience, realistic expectations for salary increases range from low to mid-level boosts after one to three years of service. This incremental growth offers an excellent opportunity to leverage skills and market knowledge to achieve long-term career satisfaction in this essential healthcare role.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Gardner in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Gardner?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Gardner?
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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 Gardner. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gardner 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