Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Bothell, WA: $82,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Bothell, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,691 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bothell's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,993 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,000) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the job market as an ultrasound technologist in Bothell, Washington, presents promising prospects based on 2026 projections. New graduates can anticipate an entry-level salary beginning at around $82,691, which falls below the city’s median of $109,000. However, early-career professionals can expect to progress steadily through the salary spectrum, with earnings likely increasing to about $94,127 within a few years as they gain experience and expertise. Given this trajectory, Bothell offers a solid market for newly licensed ultrasound technologists, making it an attractive option for those entering the field.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bothell
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 Bothell
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Bothell, WA typically start between $82,691 and $94,127 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,165 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,000 — 7.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 38.70% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($82,691/year) in Bothell. 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 Bothell
- 1Research the Bothell market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $82,691 to $94,127, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bothell, 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 Bothell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bothell'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 Bothell is $60,165 ( 72.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,691, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,856.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,318
2025 BLS Actual
$78,806
2026 Current Est.
$82,691
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,503 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,301 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,995 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,685 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,806 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,768 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bothell, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,318 in 2019 to $78,806 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,768. New graduates entering the Bothell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bothell 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 Bothell
Employers in Bothell that commonly hire new grads include large hospital systems and corporate practices known for structured onboarding programs. To enhance their earning potential, it's advisable for new ultrasound technologists to pursue state licensure alongside optional advanced certifications offered by national professional organizations. In the first few years, compensation may vary considerably based on the type of employer and the credentials acquired, resulting in salary growth that reflects both local market demands and individual skill development. Realistically, early-career professionals in this sector can expect to see wage increases as they build their proficiency, making a focused career strategy all the more essential in navigating the early years of practice as a new grad ultrasound technologist in WA.
More salary data for Bothell, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Bothell in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Bothell?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Bothell?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Bothell?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Washington?
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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 Bothell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bothell 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