Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Portland, ME: $83,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Portland, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,157 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portland's local price level (BEA RPP 101.9 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,640 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,252) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new ultrasound technologists entering the field in Portland, ME, the projected starting salary in 2026 is approximately $83,157. This entry-level pay reflects a gap when compared to the city's median salary of $106,252, highlighting the potential for considerable growth as professionals gain experience. Over the first three to five years, new graduates can expect salaries to increase from this starting point to around $87,721 at the 25th percentile, ultimately progressing towards the median with dedication and skill development. With a favorable local job market and a growth trajectory of 4.93%, Portland proves to be a viable option for individuals kickstarting their careers in this essential healthcare role.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portland
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 Portland
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Portland, ME typically start between $83,157 and $87,721 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,082 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,252 — 4.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Maine of $30,000 represents just 36.08% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($83,157/year) in Portland. 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 Portland
- 1Research the Portland market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $83,157 to $87,721, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Portland, 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 Portland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portland's moderate 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 Portland is $57,082 ( 68.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,157, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,239.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,430
2025 BLS Actual
$79,250
2026 Current Est.
$83,157
2019–2027 Growth
+60.3%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,257 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Portland, ME grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,430 in 2019 to $79,250 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,257. New graduates entering the Portland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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 Portland
Various employers in the Portland area, such as large hospital systems and corporate practices, actively seek new graduates, providing comprehensive onboarding processes that can ease the transition into professional practice. For those interested in maximizing their starting potential, obtaining state licensure, alongside optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies, can significantly enhance salary prospects. In the first one to three years of practice, compensation for ultrasound technologists can vary widely based on the type of institution and specific regional demand, yielding realistic growth expectations as new technologists leverage their credentials and gain hands-on experience. Gradually increasing pay, informed by the employer landscape, enables professionals to navigate their early career years effectively while establishing a strong foundation in the industry.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Portland in 2026?
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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 Portland. 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