Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pearland, TX: $60,191 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Pearland, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,191 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearland's local price level (BEA RPP 96.04% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,699 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,897) within a few years of clinical practice.

$60,191
Starting Salary
$28.94/hr
Starting Hourly
$60,191
Entry Level
$85,897
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates stepping into the role of an ultrasound technologist in Pearland, TX, can anticipate a starting salary around $60,191, based on 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for the profession, which means entry-level techs will initially earn less than the city-wide median of $85,897. However, the salary trajectory looks promising: as technologists gain experience and expertise, they can expect to see their pay rise through the 25th percentile to around $71,053, and potentially reach the median salary within their first three to five years. For new graduates considering a career in this field, Pearland is shaping up to be a favorable market, showcasing steady growth opportunities in a supportive healthcare environment.

About the Pearland Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Pearland

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$60,191/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$71,053/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$85,897/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$95,926/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pearland

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Pearland. The median salary is $85,897, compared to the national median of $101,352.$54.2K$71.1K$88.1K$105.0K$122.0K$60.2K10th Pctl$71.1K25th Pctl$85.9KMedian$95.9K75th Pctl$116.2K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pearland, TX typically start between $60,191 and $71,053 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,987 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,89715.25% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$25,000
Avg TX Program Cost
$60,191
Starting Salary
41.53%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Texas of $25,000 represents just 41.53% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($60,191/year) in Pearland. 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 Pearland

  • 1Research the Pearland market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $60,191 to $71,053, 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 Pearland, 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 Pearland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Pearland'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 Pearland is $55,987 ( 93.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,191, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,178.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$44,634

2025 BLS Actual

$57,363

2026 Current Est.

$60,191

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pearland (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 Pearland. Baseline $44,634 in 2025, projected to $63,158 by 2027.$40.9K$47.4K$53.9K$60.4K$66.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$44.6K$45.5K$50.4K$52.0K$53.9K$56.4K$57.4K$60.2K$63.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$44,634Actual
2020$45,496Actual
2021$50,444Actual
2022$51,958Actual
2023$53,861Actual
2024$56,407Actual
2025$57,363Actual
2026(current)$60,191Estimated
2027$63,158Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pearland, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,634 in 2019 to $57,363 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,158. New graduates entering the Pearland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Healthcare systems and corporate group practices in Pearland are primary employers looking for newly licensed ultrasound technologists. These organizations often provide structured onboarding processes, which can be beneficial for recent graduates. To enhance starting pay and career advancement opportunities, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized nationally can give new grads an edge in a competitive job market. The initial years in this field typically present a learning curve, but technicians may realistically see salary increases due to enhanced qualifications and experience. Within their first few years, those who actively seek specialization or additional credentials can substantially elevate their earning potential, aligning more closely with their peers nationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pearland start at approximately $60,191/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 $28.94/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 Pearland?

Most ultrasound technologists in Pearland progress from the entry-level salary of $60,191 to the area median of $85,897 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $116,178 (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 Pearland?

With a starting salary of $60,191/year in Pearland 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 Pearland?

New medical imaging graduates in Pearland typically start near the 10th percentile at $60,191/year, or approximately $28.94/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 Texas?

To become a licensed ultrasound technologist in Texas, 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 Texas, 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 Texas

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 Pearland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Pearland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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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