Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Killeen, TX: $60,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Killeen, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,030 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Killeen's local price level (BEA RPP 91.1 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,871 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,536) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on a career as an ultrasound technologist in Killeen, TX, the starting salary presents a realistic yet modest entry point. In 2026, new graduates can expect to earn around $60,030, which is below the city median salary of $86,536. This disparity suggests that entry-level professionals will need to gain experience to close the gap. Over the first few years, as they transition from the P10 range to the P25 salary of $80,639, they will find ample opportunities for growth. Killeen's job market remains favorable for recent graduates, with a projected growth rate of 4.93%, indicating steady demand for qualified ultrasound technologists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Killeen
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 Killeen
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Killeen, TX typically start between $60,030 and $80,639 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,137 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,536 — 14.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 41.65% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,030/year) in Killeen. 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 Killeen
- 1Research the Killeen market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,030 to $80,639, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Killeen, 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 Killeen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Killeen'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 Killeen is $43,137 ( 71.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,030, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,167.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,720
2025 BLS Actual
$57,210
2026 Current Est.
$60,030
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,990 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Killeen, TX grew 17.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,720 in 2019 to $57,210 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,990. New graduates entering the Killeen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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 Killeen
When considering new grad ultrasound technologist pay in TX, it is beneficial to identify potential employers who are likely to offer structured onboarding for recent graduates. Large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Killeen are known to support new professionals, providing them valuable hands-on experience. Obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications can significantly enhance starting ultrasound technologist salary in Killeen. This combination often leads to better pay and job security. Within the first three years of employment, realistic salary growth expectations can lead them closer to the median as they refine their skills and increase their credentials. Overall, careful planning and proactive career strategies can ensure a fulfilling journey in this evolving field.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Killeen in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Killeen?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Killeen?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Killeen?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Texas?
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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 Killeen. 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