Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Bend, OR: $110,114 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Bend, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $110,114 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bend's local price level (BEA RPP 103.6 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $106,280 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($120,103) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the field in Bend, Oregon, the 2026 entry-level ultrasound technologist salary stands at an expected $110,114, which positions new graduates at a competitive starting point compared to the city’s median salary of $120,103. This gap suggests that newly minted ultrasound techs can expect modest advancements as they gain experience, with potential increases bringing them closer to the median range within the first few years of employment. The salary trajectory from starting pay to the 25th percentile at $110,596 illustrates a positive upward movement, making Bend a favorable market for fresh graduates eager to launch their careers in medical imaging. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.93%, prospects in the region suggest increasing salary opportunities as demand for skilled ultrasound technologists continues to rise.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bend
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 Bend
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Bend, OR typically start between $110,114 and $110,596 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,649 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $120,103 — 18.5% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Oregon of $30,000 represents just 27.24% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($110,114/year) in Bend. 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 Bend
- 1Research the Bend market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $110,114 to $110,596, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bend, 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 Bend for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bend'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 Bend is $27,649 ( 25.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $110,114, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,763.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,653
2025 BLS Actual
$104,940
2026 Current Est.
$110,114
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,653 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,114 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,542 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bend, OR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,653 in 2019 to $104,940 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $115,542. New graduates entering the Bend job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bend 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 Bend
In Bend, various employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively recruit new graduates, often providing structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce. Entry-level professionals are encouraged to pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications to distinguish themselves in the competitive healthcare market. Such credentials can significantly enhance starting ultrasound technologist pay in Oregon. For those in their first three years, salaries will vary widely based on the type of employer, with hospital-based roles typically offering better compensation compared to private practices. Realistic salary growth expectations in this specific market indicate that early-career ultrasound technologists can aim for salary increments that bridge the gap between their initial pay and the city median, depending on the acquisition of experience and additional qualifications.
More salary data for Bend, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Bend in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Bend?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Bend?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Bend?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Oregon?
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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 Bend. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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