Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Hopkinsville, KY: $61,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Hopkinsville, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,206 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hopkinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,540 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,196) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as an ultrasound technologist in Hopkinsville, KY, can present a diverse range of salary expectations for new graduates. For those entering the field, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Hopkinsville is projected to be around $61,206 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $88,196, indicating a significant gap. New professionals can look forward to a growth trajectory within their first few years, potentially moving from the entry-level salary to around $71,949 after gaining some experience. Given the current compensation trends and a projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, Hopkinsville appears to be a viable market for new ultrasound technologists starting their careers now.
About the Hopkinsville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hopkinsville
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 Hopkinsville
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Hopkinsville, KY typically start between $61,206 and $71,949 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,231 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,196 — 12.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Kentucky of $20,000 represents just 32.68% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($61,206/year) in Hopkinsville. 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 Hopkinsville
- 1Research the Hopkinsville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $61,206 to $71,949, 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 KY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hopkinsville, 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 Hopkinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hopkinsville'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 Hopkinsville is $56,231 ( 91.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,206, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,437.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,386
2025 BLS Actual
$58,330
2026 Current Est.
$61,206
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Hopkinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,386 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,295 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,223 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hopkinsville, KY grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,386 in 2019 to $58,330 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,223. New graduates entering the Hopkinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hopkinsville 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 Hopkinsville
Employers in Hopkinsville often include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which are more likely to facilitate structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. Achieving state licensure is essential for new grads, and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized nationally can substantially enhance their earning potential. Entry-level positions at hospitals or clinics may offer varying compensation based on the employer type, geographic market, and the individual's credentials. Within the first three years, it is feasible for new grads to expect a positive wage progression, especially if they actively seek additional training and certification. Setting realistic salary growth expectations during these early years in the field will be crucial for long-term career development and financial success in Kentucky.
More salary data for Hopkinsville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Hopkinsville in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Hopkinsville?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Hopkinsville?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Hopkinsville?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Kentucky?
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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 Hopkinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hopkinsville 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