Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Greensboro, NC: $70,104 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Greensboro, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,104 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Greensboro's local price level (BEA RPP 92.97% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,490 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,765) within a few years of clinical practice.

$70,104
Starting Salary
$33.70/hr
Starting Hourly
$70,104
Entry Level
$103,765
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

In 2026, the expected entry-level ultrasound technologist salary in Greensboro, NC, starts at $70,104, setting a realistic benchmark for new graduates entering this in-demand field. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $103,765, it reflects a trajectory that many early-career professionals can expect as they accumulate experience and skills. New graduates looking to advance their careers may find promise in reaching the first quartile salary of $86,651 or even progressing towards the median within the first three to five years in the workforce. With a projected growth rate of 4.93% over the next five years, Greensboro offers a solid market for newly certified ultrasound technologists, making this an opportune time for graduates to begin their careers.

Career Earnings Timeline in Greensboro

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$70,104/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$86,651/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$103,765/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$104,510/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greensboro

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Greensboro. The median salary is $103,765, compared to the national median of $101,352.$63.1K$75.9K$88.7K$101.6K$114.4K$70.1K10th Pctl$86.7K25th Pctl$103.8KMedian$104.5K75th Pctl$108.9K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Greensboro, NC typically start between $70,104 and $86,651 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,834 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,7652.38% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$20,000
Avg NC Program Cost
$70,104
Starting Salary
28.53%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in North Carolina of $20,000 represents just 28.53% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($70,104/year) in Greensboro. 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 Greensboro

  • 1Research the Greensboro market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $70,104 to $86,651, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Greensboro, 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 Greensboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Greensboro'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 Greensboro is $38,834 ( 55.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,104, experienced hygienists can earn up to $108,938.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$55,130

2025 BLS Actual

$66,810

2026 Current Est.

$70,104

2019–2027 Growth

+33.4%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Greensboro (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 Greensboro. Baseline $55,130 in 2025, projected to $73,560 by 2027.$32.2K$44.3K$56.3K$68.4K$80.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$55.1K$56.1K$59.6K$60.3K$64.2K$39.1K$66.8K$70.1K$73.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$55,130Actual
2020$56,120Actual
2021$59,640Actual
2022$60,330Actual
2023$64,220Actual
2024$39,100Actual
2025$66,810Actual
2026(current)$70,104Estimated
2027$73,560Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Greensboro, NC grew 21.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,130 in 2019 to $66,810 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,560. New graduates entering the Greensboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

|||SPLIT |||

Several key employers in Greensboro actively recruit new graduates for ultrasound technology positions, including prominent hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. For those looking to increase their employability and starting pay in North Carolina, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies is advisable. In the first one to three years on the job, ultrasound technologists can expect their compensation to grow gradually, often reflecting differences in pay based on employer type, geographical location, and the mix of credentials. Establishing a strong foundation during these early years is essential; building a diverse skill set and pursuing additional certifications can lead to greater salary advancements and opportunities in a flourishing healthcare market like Greensboro’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Greensboro start at approximately $70,104/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 $33.70/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 Greensboro?

Most ultrasound technologists in Greensboro progress from the entry-level salary of $70,104 to the area median of $103,765 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $108,938 (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 Greensboro?

With a starting salary of $70,104/year in Greensboro 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 Greensboro?

New medical imaging graduates in Greensboro typically start near the 10th percentile at $70,104/year, or approximately $33.70/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 North Carolina?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina

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 Greensboro. 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

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