Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Lakeville, MN: $71,866 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Lakeville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,866 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakeville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,960 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,086) within a few years of clinical practice.

$71,866
Starting Salary
$34.55/hr
Starting Hourly
$71,866
Entry Level
$98,086
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Starting out as an ultrasound technologist in Lakeville, Minnesota, new graduates can expect a starting salary of approximately $71,866 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the city’s median entry-level ultrasound technologist salary of $98,086, establishing a gap that underscores the typical growth trajectory seen in this career. Most early-career professionals can anticipate moving through the pay range, potentially reaching $83,263 at the 25th percentile by year three, setting a solid foundation as they build experience and skills. Given the projected 4.93% growth rate annually, Lakeville presents a favorable market for new grads entering the healthcare field, with ample opportunities for advancement within their first few years.

About the Lakeville Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Lakeville

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$71,866/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$83,263/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$98,086/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$106,002/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakeville

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Lakeville. The median salary is $98,086, compared to the national median of $101,352.$64.7K$84.2K$103.6K$123.1K$142.6K$71.9K10th Pctl$83.3K25th Pctl$98.1KMedian$106.0K75th Pctl$135.8K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Lakeville, MN typically start between $71,866 and $83,263 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,910 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,0863.22% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg MN Program Cost
$71,866
Starting Salary
41.74%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Minnesota of $30,000 represents just 41.74% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($71,866/year) in Lakeville. 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 Lakeville

  • 1Research the Lakeville market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $71,866 to $83,263, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lakeville, 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 Lakeville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Lakeville'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 Lakeville is $63,910 ( 88.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,866, experienced hygienists can earn up to $135,776.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$53,291

2025 BLS Actual

$68,489

2026 Current Est.

$71,866

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lakeville (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 Lakeville. Baseline $53,291 in 2025, projected to $75,408 by 2027.$48.9K$56.6K$64.3K$72.1K$79.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$53.3K$54.3K$60.2K$62.0K$64.3K$64.3K$68.5K$71.9K$75.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$53,291Actual
2020$54,321Actual
2021$60,228Actual
2022$62,036Actual
2023$64,308Actual
2024$64,333Actual
2025$68,489Actual
2026(current)$71,866Estimated
2027$75,408Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lakeville, MN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,291 in 2019 to $68,489 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,408. New graduates entering the Lakeville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakeville 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 Lakeville

In Lakeville, major healthcare employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices often seek new grad ultrasound technologists, providing structured onboarding programs that are vital for fresh graduates. Aspiring professionals should focus on obtaining state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications that enhance their employability and earning potential. The local job market can be competitive, with starting pay in MN varying depending on the type of employer, geographic area, and credentials. For new ultrasound technologists during their first one to three years, realistic salary growth can be expected as they transition from entry-level roles to positions with increased responsibility and rates consistent with regional trends, allowing for an uplift from initial earnings toward more favorable compensation packages over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Lakeville start at approximately $71,866/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 $34.55/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 Lakeville?

Most ultrasound technologists in Lakeville progress from the entry-level salary of $71,866 to the area median of $98,086 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $135,776 (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 Lakeville?

With a starting salary of $71,866/year in Lakeville 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 Lakeville?

New medical imaging graduates in Lakeville typically start near the 10th percentile at $71,866/year, or approximately $34.55/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 Minnesota?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Lakeville 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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