Ultrasound Tech Pay

Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Burlington, VT: $75,199 (2026)

Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,199 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.54% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,656 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,666) within a few years of clinical practice.

$75,199
Starting Salary
$36.15/hr
Starting Hourly
$75,199
Entry Level
$100,666
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Starting your career as an ultrasound technologist in Burlington, VT, offers promising financial opportunities. In 2026, entry-level professionals can anticipate a starting ultrasound technologist salary of approximately $75,199. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $100,666 but reflects a common trajectory for new graduates in the healthcare sector. Over the first few years, many will experience wage growth, with realistic expectations for increasing earnings as they gain experience and transition toward the 25th percentile average of $86,380. Burlington's current market suggests that it is a favorable environment for new graduates, providing ample first-job opportunities in medical facilities that can support professional growth.

About the Burlington Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$75,199/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$86,380/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$100,666/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$110,514/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for ultrasound technologists in Burlington. The median salary is $100,666, compared to the national median of $101,352.$67.7K$85.2K$102.8K$120.3K$137.9K$75.2K10th Pctl$86.4K25th Pctl$100.7KMedian$110.5K75th Pctl$131.3K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Burlington, VT typically start between $75,199 and $86,380 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,108 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,6660.68% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$35,000
Avg VT Program Cost
$75,199
Starting Salary
46.54%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical imaging program cost in Vermont of $35,000 represents just 46.54% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($75,199/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington

  • 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $75,199 to $86,380, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $56,108 ( 74.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,199, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,307.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$55,763

2025 BLS Actual

$71,666

2026 Current Est.

$75,199

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Burlington (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 Burlington. Baseline $55,763 in 2025, projected to $78,906 by 2027.$51.1K$59.2K$67.3K$75.4K$83.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$55.8K$56.8K$63.0K$64.9K$67.3K$62.7K$71.7K$75.2K$78.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$55,763Actual
2020$56,840Actual
2021$63,022Actual
2022$64,914Actual
2023$67,291Actual
2024$62,749Actual
2025$71,666Actual
2026(current)$75,199Estimated
2027$78,906Projected

Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,763 in 2019 to $71,666 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,906. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Burlington, employers such as large hospital systems and established corporate group practices often welcome new graduates into entry-level ultrasound technologist roles. These organizations typically implement structured onboarding processes, making it easier for early-career technologists to acclimate and thrive. For those looking to enhance their starting salaries in Vermont, obtaining state licensure and pursuing additional certifications can significantly improve pay prospects. During the crucial first few years, new graduates should engage in continuing education and focus on building a diverse skill set, as compensation varies greatly depending on employer type and regional market demand. With a solid career strategy, new ultrasound technologists can expect steady salary increases in Vermont, ensuring a fruitful start to their professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Burlington start at approximately $75,199/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 $36.15/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 Burlington?

Most ultrasound technologists in Burlington progress from the entry-level salary of $75,199 to the area median of $100,666 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $131,307 (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 Burlington?

With a starting salary of $75,199/year in Burlington 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 Burlington?

New medical imaging graduates in Burlington typically start near the 10th percentile at $75,199/year, or approximately $36.15/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 Vermont?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Burlington 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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