Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Utica, NY: $83,388 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Utica, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,388 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Utica's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,976 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,538) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Utica, NY, can anticipate a starting salary around $83,388. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for new professionals, providing a clear indication of the initial earning potential. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $102,538, there is a noticeable gap as entry-level positions typically require experience and skill development to reach the median benchmark. However, with the projected growth trajectory, entry-level salaries are expected to gradually increase, with opportunities reaching $85,959 for those in the 25th percentile within a few years. Given Utica’s job market, this presents a favorable environment for new graduates, especially as demand for ultrasound technologists continues to rise.
Career Earnings Timeline in Utica
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 Utica
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Utica, NY typically start between $83,388 and $85,959 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,825 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,538 — 1.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in New York of $42,000 represents just 50.37% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($83,388/year) in Utica. 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 Utica
- 1Research the Utica market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $83,388 to $85,959, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Utica, 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 Utica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Utica'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 Utica is $21,825 ( 26.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,388, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,213.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,730
2025 BLS Actual
$79,470
2026 Current Est.
$83,388
2019–2027 Growth
+49.0%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,388 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,499 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Utica, NY grew 35.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,730 in 2019 to $79,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,499. New graduates entering the Utica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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 Utica
Securing a position as a new grad ultrasound technologist in Utica often involves seeking employment with larger hospital networks or corporate group practices that have established onboarding programs for first-time professionals. These employers tend to value certifications that ensure technicians are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. In New York, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications can significantly enhance earning potential, making candidates more appealing in this competitive market. In the first few years, ultrasound technologists can realistically expect to see their salaries increase steadily, particularly as they gain experience and take on more complex tasks. Understanding the varied pay scales associated with different types of employers and the potential salary growth can aid new professionals in strategically planning their career development in the Utica area.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Utica in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Utica?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Utica?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Utica?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in New York?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Utica. 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