Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $58,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Wilkes-Barre, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,717 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilkes-Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,284 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,155) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the ultrasound technologist field in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania can expect an entry level ultrasound technologist salary of $58,717 in 2026. This starting pay is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $83,155, creating a gap of $24,438 for early-career professionals. However, there are promising growth opportunities within the first few years. Many ultrasound technologists will see their salaries rise from the entry-level figure to around $68,842 as they reach the 25th percentile within the first two to three years of their careers. Given the anticipated growth trajectory of 4.93% annually in this field, Wilkes-Barre presents a competitive market for new graduates looking to start their careers while benefiting from a relatively low cost of living index of 97.4.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilkes-Barre
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 Wilkes-Barre
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Wilkes-Barre, PA typically start between $58,717 and $68,842 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,691 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,155 — 17.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Pennsylvania of $36,000 represents just 61.31% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($58,717/year) in Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre
- 1Research the Wilkes-Barre market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $58,717 to $68,842, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilkes-Barre'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 Wilkes-Barre is $48,691 ( 82.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,717, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,408.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,540
2025 BLS Actual
$55,958
2026 Current Est.
$58,717
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,382 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,209 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,542 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,611 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wilkes-Barre, PA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,540 in 2019 to $55,958 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,611. New graduates entering the Wilkes-Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Key employers in Wilkes-Barre that actively hire new grad ultrasound technologists include major hospital systems and corporate health practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs tailored for those just entering the profession. To enhance starting pay, new ultrasound technologists in PA should consider obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized by national entities, as these credentials can significantly impact salary potential. In the first three years, compensation for ultrasound technologists is likely to vary greatly depending on the employer type and the mix of credentials held. Realistically, professionals can expect modest salary increases annually, further solidifying their standing in the healthcare system. Establishing a strong foundational experience during these early years is crucial; it not only sets a precedent for salary progression but also opens up more advanced opportunities as their careers develop in this essential field.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
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Is medical imaging school worth it in Wilkes-Barre?
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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 Wilkes-Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilkes-Barre is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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