Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Jeffersontown, KY: $62,949 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Jeffersontown, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,949 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jeffersontown's local price level (BEA RPP 89.311% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,492 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,921) within a few years of clinical practice.

$62,949
Starting Salary
$30.26/hr
Starting Hourly
$62,949
Entry Level
$85,921
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Entry Level Salary in Jeffersontown, KY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Jeffersontown, KY ultrasound technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Starting a career as an ultrasound technologist in Jeffersontown, KY, offers entry-level professionals an initial salary of approximately $62,949 in 2026. While this figure is below the city's median annual salary of $85,921, new graduates can look forward to the potential for steady wage growth. Over the first three to five years, they can expect to progress beyond the 25th percentile, reaching around $72,615 as they gain experience and expertise. Furthermore, with an annual growth rate of 4.93%, aspiring ultrasound technologists may find that Jeffersontown provides a relatively stable market for new grads entering the field. Given these circumstances, those pursuing a career in this medical imaging specialty can anticipate a solid foundation in their professional journey.

About the Jeffersontown Market

Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Jeffersontown

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$62,949/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$72,615/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$85,921/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$95,164/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jeffersontown

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Jeffersontown. The median salary is $85,921, compared to the national median of $101,352.$56.7K$72.2K$87.7K$103.3K$118.8K$62.9K10th Pctl$72.6K25th Pctl$85.9KMedian$95.2K75th Pctl$113.1K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Jeffersontown, KY typically start between $62,949 and $72,615 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,179 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,92115.23% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of ultrasound technologist pay in the Jeffersontown metro area.

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg KY Program Cost
$62,949
Starting Salary
31.77%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Kentucky of $20,000 represents just 31.77% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($62,949/year) in Jeffersontown. 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 Jeffersontown

  • 1Research the Jeffersontown market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $62,949 to $72,615, 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 Jeffersontown, 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 Jeffersontown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Jeffersontown'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 Jeffersontown is $50,179 ( 79.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,949, experienced hygienists can earn up to $113,128.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$46,678

2025 BLS Actual

$59,991

2026 Current Est.

$62,949

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Jeffersontown (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Jeffersontown. Baseline $46,678 in 2025, projected to $66,052 by 2027.$42.2K$49.1K$56.1K$63.1K$70.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$46.7K$47.6K$52.8K$54.3K$56.3K$46.1K$60.0K$62.9K$66.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$46,678Actual
2020$47,581Actual
2021$52,755Actual
2022$54,339Actual
2023$56,329Actual
2024$46,148Actual
2025$59,991Actual
2026(current)$62,949Estimated
2027$66,052Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jeffersontown, KY grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,678 in 2019 to $59,991 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,052. New graduates entering the Jeffersontown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jeffersontown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Jeffersontown

In Jeffersontown, large hospital systems and corporate group practices are among the key employers actively seeking new graduates for ultrasound technologist positions. These workplaces often have structured onboarding programs aimed at easing entry into the workforce for less experienced technologists. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications can significantly enhance starting positions and salaries in Kentucky. New professionals should focus on developing industry-specific skills in their first couple of years, such as mastering various imaging techniques and building a network within the healthcare community. This investment in developing credentials can lead to increased pay over time, as compensation varies widely based on employer type, geographical area, and the mix of certifications held. With a calculated approach to career advancement, new grad ultrasound technologists in Jeffersontown have the opportunity to establish a fulfilling and progressive career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Jeffersontown in 2026?

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Jeffersontown start at approximately $62,949/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $30.26/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Jeffersontown?

Most ultrasound technologists in Jeffersontown progress from the entry-level salary of $62,949 to the area median of $85,921 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $113,128 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical imaging school worth it in Jeffersontown?

With a starting salary of $62,949/year in Jeffersontown and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new ultrasound technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Jeffersontown?

New medical imaging graduates in Jeffersontown typically start near the 10th percentile at $62,949/year, or approximately $30.26/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Kentucky?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Kentucky, you typically need an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a caahep-accredited program (typically 2 years), plus ardms certification (rdms, rdcs, or rvt depending on specialty). from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Kentucky, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some ultrasound technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Kentucky

RP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 Jeffersontown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Jeffersontown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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