Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Lebanon, TN: $57,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Lebanon, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lebanon's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,790 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,708) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lebanon, TN, the starting ultrasound technologist salary is projected at $57,641 in 2026, reflecting realistic expectations for newly minted graduates entering the field. This figure is notably below the city's median annual salary of $81,708, highlighting the typical gap new entrants can expect as they build their experience. Graduates can look forward to progressing through pay ranges that increase from the starting point up to the first quartile at $67,349 and eventually toward the median salary over their initial 3-5 years. In this market, Lebanon proves to be a viable opportunity for new professionals, supported by a steady growth rate of 4.93% anticipated in the field over the next several years.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lebanon
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 Lebanon
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Lebanon, TN typically start between $57,641 and $67,349 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,429 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,708 — 19.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Tennessee of $22,000 represents just 38.17% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($57,641/year) in Lebanon. 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 Lebanon
- 1Research the Lebanon market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $57,641 to $67,349, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lebanon'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 Lebanon is $47,429 ( 82.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,070.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,743
2025 BLS Actual
$54,933
2026 Current Est.
$57,641
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,743 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,569 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,307 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,933 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,483 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lebanon, TN grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,743 in 2019 to $54,933 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,483. New graduates entering the Lebanon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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 Lebanon
Employers such as large hospital systems and established corporate group practices in Lebanon actively seek new graduates for ultrasound technologist roles, often providing structured onboarding designed for those just starting their careers. To enhance starting salaries, early-career technologists should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the industry’s national body—these credentials can significantly influence earning potential. During the first three years, compensation may vary by employer type and geographic market, though realistic expectations suggest salaries can grow with the accumulation of experience and specialized skills. As professionals build their careers and credentials, they can expect meaningful growth in their pay, particularly in a community like Lebanon, where healthcare facilities are invested in nurturing new talent.
More salary data for Lebanon, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Lebanon in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Lebanon?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Lebanon?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Lebanon?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Tennessee?
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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 Lebanon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lebanon 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