Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $70,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,621 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,233 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,106) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Determining a career path as a new grad ultrasound technologist in South Burlington, VT, comes with some financial expectations that can guide your journey. For those just stepping into the field, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in South Burlington is projected at $70,621 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $99,106 for all ultrasound technologists in the area, creating a gap that new professionals will need to navigate as they build their experience and skills. Within the first few years in the field, many early-career professionals can look forward to compensation growth, eventually reaching around $82,190 after establishing themselves, and aiming for the median as they gain experience. Given the upward trajectory in salaries and the local demand for healthcare professionals, South Burlington remains an attractive market for new graduates entering this profession.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
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 South Burlington
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in South Burlington, VT typically start between $70,621 and $82,190 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,591 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,106 — 2.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Vermont of $35,000 represents just 49.56% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($70,621/year) in South 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 South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $70,621 to $82,190, 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 South 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 South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington'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 South Burlington is $57,591 ( 81.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,621, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,212.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,368
2025 BLS Actual
$67,303
2026 Current Est.
$70,621
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,368 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,962 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,075 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,303 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,103 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,368 in 2019 to $67,303 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,103. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Employers in South Burlington recognizing the need for skilled professionals typically include major hospital systems along with corporate group practices, both of which often have structured onboarding programs for new hires. These organizations value credentials, so obtaining state licensure alongside pursuing optional advanced certifications can enhance earning potential and effective job placement. Early career ultrasound technologists should consider emphasizing both competency in ultrasound technology and a commitment to continuous learning to advance their positions and pay scales. As the industry continues to evolve, realistic salary expectations during the first few years may lead new technologists from starting roles to increasingly competitive pay as they leverage their skills, knowledge, and certifications. In this dynamic job market, a career strategy focused on building a solid foundation through hands-on experience and additional qualifications within the first 1-3 years will be invaluable.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is medical imaging school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in South Burlington?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Vermont?
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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 South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South 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).
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