Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Kennewick, WA: $62,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,979 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 100.1 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,929 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,117) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field, starting ultrasound technologist salaries in Kennewick, WA present both opportunities and challenges. The entry-level pay is projected at about $62,979 in 2026, significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $109,117. This gap suggests that new grads may need to gain experience and credentials to improve their compensation over time. With a robust growth trajectory, they can expect to move from early compensation to a more competitive P25 figure of $101,709 within their first few years. Given Kennewick’s favorable 4.93% annual growth rate in this profession, the market appears supportive for those just beginning their careers as ultrasound technologists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick
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 Kennewick
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Kennewick, WA typically start between $62,979 and $101,709 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,985 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,117 — 7.66% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 50.81% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($62,979/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick
- 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $62,979 to $101,709, 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 Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennewick'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 Kennewick is $70,985 ( 112.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,979, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,964.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,300
2025 BLS Actual
$60,020
2026 Current Est.
$62,979
2019–2027 Growth
+4.4%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,604 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,084 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew -5.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,300 in 2019 to $60,020 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,084. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Employers in Kennewick that hire new graduates primarily include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, both of which often implement structured onboarding programs designed to help early-career technologists transition smoothly into their roles. While the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Kennewick may seem modest, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications can be significant advantages, boosting potential earnings. In the first one to three years, it’s realistic to expect salary growth as professionals gain invaluable experience, particularly as compensation in this field varies based on employer type, geographic market, and credential mix. New grads should align their continuing education plans to meet industry demands, setting their sights on higher pay brackets in Kennewick and beyond.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Kennewick in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Kennewick?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Kennewick?
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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 Kennewick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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